The Sovereign Work Of God

The Sovereign work of God

Ephesians 1: 3-6

As we continue to move through the first chapter of the Ephesian letter, we come to one of the greatest doctrinal passages in all of Scripture. It is interesting to note, in the original Greek, verses three through fourteen are one continual sentence. In this passage, Paul deals with the great spiritual depths of salvation by grace, according to the divine plan of God.

John MacArthur reflects that the passage can be broken up into three sections. We discover the past aspect of God’s plan for salvation in verses three through six. Verses six through eleven deal with the present aspect of our salvation; and verses twelve through fourteen focus on the future aspect of salvation. One is biblically correct in stating that we have been saved, we are being saved, and we will be saved.

MacArthur also presents a three-fold division that focuses on the triune Godhead. The opening section deals with the Father’s work in salvation; the center section focuses on the Son’s provision in salvation; and the final section reveals the Spirit’s work regarding our salvation. This is the approach that we will take as we examine this gracious and powerful passage. As we discuss the varied facets of the Father’s work in salvation, I want to consider: The Sovereign work of God.

I. The Supremacy Involved (3) – Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. Paul spoke of:

A. The Source – Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. While we are unable to properly comprehend the triune God, existing in three distinct persons, and yet being one God, this passage reveals the individual and specific work of each person of the Godhead. It is apparent that the plan of salvation originated with God the Father. As we will discuss later, the Son offered Himself as the atoning sacrifice for our sin, and the Spirit draws us to the Lord, preserving and sealing us in salvation. However, we cannot overlook the goodness and grace of the Father in regard to our salvation. He has blessed us abundantly, choosing us for Himself, and adopted us into His family. Such a God is worthy of our praise and devotion. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!

B. The Substance – who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings. I will readily admit, such a promise is more than I can grasp. Paul declares the Father has blessed us with all spiritual blessings. Such blessings are too numerous to count, and reach to heights that we cannot possibly understand. Every blessing we enjoy in this life and throughout eternity are gifts from the gracious hand of our Father! Psalm 139:17-18 – How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! [18] If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.

C. The Setting – who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. What an encouraging promise. The spiritual blessings provided by the Father are seated in heavenly places in Christ our Lord. This aspect of the promise is also too vast to comprehend. This abundance of blessing is backed by all heaven affords. The blessings of the Father originate in heaven through Christ the Son.

While we clearly enjoy material and physical blessings in this life, the believers’ blessing is not limited to this life alone. The abundance of God will continue beyond the grave. Even now, as we walk with the Lord in a physical body, we enjoy blessings of immeasurable abundance and variety. He daily meets our needs, but we also enjoy the spiritual blessings from heaven. I would argue the spiritual blessings far outweigh the material blessings.

II. The Selection Involved (4) – According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love. Here Paul discussed the gracious selection of the saved by grace. Consider:

A. A Sovereign Person – According as he hath chosen us in him. Isn’t that an overwhelming thought? God the Father has chosen us unto Himself. I stand amazed at His love and provision for sinful, depraved human beings like myself. The Father genuinely loves us, making provision for us, choosing us as the objects of His grace, and desires us to be part of His eternal family! "Why did He love me? I never can tell; Why did He suffer to save me from Hell? Nothing but infinite grace from above, Could have conceived such a story of love." (G. R. Harding) (i)