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"In Whom also we have obtained an inheritance, having been previously marked
off. . . . " (1: 11).
This then is "the adoption." To think that such glories are in store for us! We are to
be "revealed," we are to have "glory," we are to enter into all the privileges and blessings
of recognized sons and heirs! May grace be given us to walk as children of light, even as
we have been made meet for the inheritance of the saints in the light.
Studies in the Epistles of the Mystery.
The Father's motive the good pleasure of His will (Eph. 1: 5).
pp. 175-178
The consideration of the Father's motive brings us to the third and last clause of the
second central member. We again draw attention to the way in which the subject before
the apostle is amplified as he proceeds. This the structure enables us to see at a glance.
The Father's choice is further explained by the word predestination. His object, that we
should be holy, is amplified by the "adoption"; His motive, "in love," will now be seen to
have its bearing upon the subject before us, viz., "The good pleasure of His will." We
have the comforting assurance, before we start investigating, that His will and His good
pleasure are but the wondrous manifestations and expressions of His love. Will and good
pleasure of themselves tell us little or nothing of their character. A tyrant has a will, and
the most horrible deeds may be according to his good pleasure. How thankful we should
be then to realize that this will and this good pleasure, while sovereign and absolute, are
not the exhibition of tyranny or caprice, but of LOVE - a love that passeth knowledge.
The words "according to" (kata) may be freely rendered "in harmony with." It is only
saying the same thing with different words, but familiarity often blunts the edge of
expressions. Our predestination to sonship is in harmony with the good pleasure of His
will. Let us therefore turn our attention to the will of the Lord as revealed in this epistle.
No one can read through the opening verses of Ephesians without being struck with the
emphatic position accorded to the will and purpose of God. Eph. 1: 3-14 may be well
summarized as "Blessing according to purpose," which will be evident if set out as
follows:--
A1 | 3. BLESSING.--Spiritual and in heavenlies.
B1 | 4. PURPOSE.--"According as He chose us."
A2 | 5. BLESSING.--Predestination to sonship.
B2 | 5-8. PURPOSE.--"According to the good pleasure of His will."
A3 | 9. BLESSING.--Revealing the secret of His will.
B3 | 9, 10. PURPOSE.--"According to His good pleasure."
A4 | 11. BLESSING.--Predestination to inheritance.
B4 | 11-14. PURPOSE.--"According to the purpose of Him Who
worketh all things after the counsel of His own will."