Ephesians 1:5 – Holy Adoption
having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,
Truth to Learn
Not only has God chosen us, He also has adopted us.
Behind the Words
“Having predestined” is the translation of the verb prooridzō. The first half of this compound word is pro, meaning “before in time or place.” The second half is horidzō (from which we get our English word horizon), meaning “to mark out or create a boundary,” that is, “to establish or determine.” Therefore, we see that prooridzō means “to establish or determine something beforehand.”
The phrase “adoption as sons” is from huiothesia, which is made up of huios, meaning “son” and a form of tithēmi, meaning “to set in place.” Huiothesia, therefore, refers to the action of establishing a person as a son, not by natural birth but by legal action.
“Good pleasure” is from eudokia, which is made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and a form of the verb dokeō, meaning “to think.” Thus, eudokia refers to “good thoughts.” It stresses the freedom of an intention regarding what is good.
The word translated “will” is thelēma, indicating a determination. It is one of two nouns translated “will.” The other is boulēma which implies a desire or a purpose.
Meaning Explained
The expression “having predestined us” is grammatically tied to “He chose us.” Thus we see that in eternity past, when God chose us (to be holy and without blemish), He also predestined us. That is, before time began God also established ahead of time (pun intended) that we would also be legally adopted as His children. One exciting thing about this is what Paul tells us in his letter to the Romans:
For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, (Romans 8:15-17a)
Because God chose us, He also adopted us, making us legally his children and heirs to all that He has. This adoption has two aspects. Presently, we Christians are God’s children, having access to our Father and the spiritual riches He has bestowed upon us. The future aspect is alluded to in Romans 8:23:
Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.
As adopted children, God will one day provide for us a perfect, heavenly body.
Finally, we are told that He has done this according to His own determination, which He is pleased with. It is not legally required of Him, even by His own righteousness. He did it simply because He wanted to do it.
Application
Thank you, God, for choosing me and for adopting me into your heavenly family. In gratitude I offer all that I am and all that I have to be used to bring glory to your name!
In God’s service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.
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