Ephesians 1:5-11, Boiling or Sprawling
Theme explanation:
According to John Wesley, The theology of ‘Predestination’ reminds that our salvation is secured in Christ (John 10:28). When we are in Christ nothing is accident and unwarranted. But everything is under the knowledge of God including my sorrows, sufferings, happenings and ties and byes, all things, all causes work together for good (Romans 8:28). It’s not a bitter, boiling but better and sprawling (Ephesians 1:5).
The theology of Predestination helps us not to keep the proliferation within ourselves but makes us to grow broader and include all. No more within us but for all. Idea of Predestination is the conception of the divine purpose in the mind of God, before its realization in actual fact. Means not worried about our life after death but we grow day by day in holiness, in love, in character, in grace to secure our place in God on earth and finally at heavenly places.
v. 11: “in Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the Plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.
1. He chose us in Him– to be holy and blameless (v. 4).
God has chosen his people for a purpose, the purpose of Holiness and to lead a life worthy, life of acceptance, life exemplary and life approved by others. The purpose is not only to grant eternal life, not only to bless us, not only to keep us safe but to keep us as his only trusted comrades to represent him on the earthly life.
Ephesian 4:1 -live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Mathew 10:31 -you are worth more than many sparrows.
We are called to live a new life (Romans 6:4). Live by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7). Live by the spirit and not to gratify the desires of the sinful nature (Galatians 5:16). Live a life of love with a pleasing odour, fragrance (Ephesians 5:2). Live carefully as wise (Ephesians 5:15). Walk in the light (1 John 1:7). Walk as Jesus did (1 John 2:6).
Jesus walked with love, compassion, kindness, humility and sacrifice. He never retaliated, never scolded any one (1 Peter 2:21-24). We are called to do a commendable job, live a commendable life (1 Peter 2:19-20). Philippians 1:27 – whatever happens conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ.
He is happy to be known as the God of us. He is not ashamed of being known as the God of Abraham, God of Isaac and God of Jacob (Hebrews 11:16). Job was holy and blameless in his own generation. It was a testimony of the other; it was the testimony of the God (Job 1:1, 8, 2:3). Daniel was perfect man without charges (Daniel 6:4, 22). God fearing woman is worth far more than rubies (Proverbs 31:10).
2. Predestined us to be adopted us his sons through Jesus Christ (v. 5).
In the ancient Roman world had the rule that an adopted boy would usually be the oldest, with proven health and abilities.
Adoption for two main purposes: (1) to provide a child to a childless couple, (2) to assist the adopting parents to in their old age and to perform their last rites.
The first Roman emperor Augustus was an adopted son of Julius Caesar. He did not use the name "Octavianus" which will refer his humble beginning, but preferred to emphasize his new status Augustus (44 BC until 27 BC).
In Exodus 2:10, Moses was adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter, In 1 Kings 11:20, Genubath was brought up by the queen, among the sons of Pharaoh; In Esther 2:7,15, Esther was adopted by her uncle Mordecai.Israel is referred to as the son of God (Hosaiah 11:1), by election (Deuteronomy 14:2).
But the heavenly Father adopted us, when we aliens, when we were weak and ugly. When we were unworthy, Heavenly Father gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12). We received the spirit of sonship and got the right to cry “Abba Father” (Romans 8:15, Galatians 4:6). We are redeemed from the bondage of the Law to receive the full rights of the sons (Galatians 4:5).
- For his pleasure and will
- For his glorious things
- Redemption through his blood
- Forgiveness of Sins
- Lavished grace
We are created for God’s glory and God’s pleasure. He can plant and pluck any flowers, any fruits, anything on the earth. We are bought by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. We are no more our own but God’s people. He claims that we are his people, his sheep, his flock, his redeemed community.
3. Bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ (v. 10).
Doing the will of God gives the privilege to becomes sisters and brothers of Jesus Christ (Mathew 12:50), co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17), members of God’s household (Ephesians 2:19). Whole family in heaven and on earth has identity and address only through Christ (Ephesians 3:15). Jesus is not ashamed to call us as brothers and sisters (Hebrews 2:11).
Now we all are one. We have no caste, we have no language barrier, we have no color barrier, and we have no education or wealth or health as barrier for us to accept each other. What can keep us away from one another?
Denomination is not biblical but man made; the Disciples of Christ distanced themselves from one another because they could not agree on certain beliefs or practices.
The prayer of Jesus was crystal clear for UNITY (John 17:20-24).
