heritagebbc/archive3/0211.html

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Heritage Baptist Bible Church

Dr. Max D. Younce, Pastor Walnut Grove, MN - USA

Bible Questions & Answers

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Bible Questions & Answers Archive

What Is the Meaning of the Word "Predestination" in Ephesians 1:11,12?

0211

Second in a Series

Question

What is your explanation of Ephesians 1:11,12 concerning the word “predestinated?”

Answer

Let us quote the text in its entirety. "In whom we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: that we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ." Ephesians 1:11,12

Notice the use of the word "we", a plural pronoun. Paul is including himself and all Christians. They have obtained an inheritance. This identifies those who are predestinated for something as being already saved. We can see in verse 12 what the Christian is predestinated to receive.

What is predestinated is according to the Lord’s purpose. He will also bring it to pass "after the counsel of his own will." "His own will" lets us know that God does not leave what He predestinated to be brought to pass by the volition or faithfulness of man. Therefore, we can rest assured... what God predestinated will come to pass!

In summary: The saved are the recipients of what is being predestinated. It was God's purpose to do so and He will bring it to pass Himself. We are told in verse 12 what is predestinated:

"That we (Christians) should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

At first glance one may think this means it is God's will that every Christian should lead a separated life, which would be “to the praise of His glory.” This is certainly God's will for every believer. (Romans 12:1,2). However, this cannot be the meaning of this verse, if taken in context, as the fulfillment of what was predestinated. If this were true, then it has not come to pass in every Christian's life. Remember, what God predestinates will, without exception, come to pass. The reason being, every Christian is the recipient of what is predestinated. Not every Christian leads a separated life. In fact, some Christians never lead a separated life from the time they are saved until they leave this earth!

To what is this referring? It has reference to the event of the Rapture when, without exception, every Christian will be to the praise of His glory. The Bridegroom (Christ) is looking in expectation for His Bride (the Church). The Church (every believer) is looking for the Bridegroom to return and so shall we ever be with the Lord. This meeting is the fulfillment of what Christ predestinated for every believer. Remember--what is predestinated must come to pass.

If "to the praise of his glory" meant leading a separated life, it may not come to pass, for all Christians are not yielding their lives to God's will. Christ never leaves what He predestinates to be fulfilled by the volition of man. By the determined will and power of God, the Rapture will fulfill every qualifying aspect of His predestination, "that we should be to the praise of His glory."

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