“Predestined To What?

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians begins with a mile long sentence that rolls on like a cascading waterfall. He declares that a born again Christian is chosen, redeemed, predestined, privy to the will of God, has obtained an inheritance and is sealed with the Holy Spirit. So, in context, what does the word predestined mean here? Paul wrote, “We are predestined to adoption through Jesus Christ (Eph 1:5).”

In our family we have adopted children. They were chosen, paid for, trained by parents, included in an inheritance, and sealed with our name, Kusner. There is a waiting period before adoptions are finalized. In that time period our children were predestined to become members of our family. That day finally arrived.

We who have received Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior have been bought and paid for at the cross of Christ, or in other words, we have been redeemed. We are currently living with a view to the finality of our adoption when our eyes will see Jesus. Therefore, as the letter to the Ephesians declares in context, born again believers are currently living a life on earth predestined to be adopted into the family of God our Father.

I believe that God is sovereign, but not that He chose you or anyone, to fuel the flames of hell from before the foundations of the world, as though you would never have a freewill to repent of sin and confess your desire for Jesus Christ. 2Peter 3:9 declares, “God is not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” 1John 2:2 tells us, “He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.” 2Corinthians 5:20 says, “We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” Begging to “be reconciled” infers a choice.

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So choose wisely and choose Jesus Christ

Pastor Huck