he predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
–Ephesians 1:5–6 ESV
That God the Father “predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ” is an incredible bestowal of honor. To be “adopted as sons” meant taking on the family name of the Most High God. This has the following characteristics:
- This adoption is predestined. It will, it must come to pass! This relational healing and restoration, this honor-laden relationship must come forth!
- This adoption is through Jesus Christ: the mediator is none other than the Son of God Himself. This is no secondary ambassador, but the second Person of the Trinity in whom the adoption is transacted.
- This adoption is “according to the purpose of his will.” There is a plan, an intelligent strategy, a Story with infinite meaning rooted in the mind of God. The sense of destiny rooted in eternal God is itself an expression of honor and glory, of weightiness and density. This is the very antithesis of a the modern belief in evolution which considers the human being a mere ‘accident.’
- This adoption is “to the praise of his glorious grace.” What is the ultimate reason for all this? … honor and glory to God! … praise for the grace, the charis, the magnificent gift so undeserved, which has been poured out on his followers, those who are in Christ, in “the Beloved.”
