Ephesians 1:5-6

These two verses describe the primary reasons why God has done virtually everything He has done since the beginning of time and everything He will do throughout eternity. They explain why He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Ephesians 1:3. It clarifies why He chose us before the foundation of the world in Ephesians 1:4 and describes why He has predestined us to adoption in verse five. Furthermore, it enlightens us to why He redeemed us though the blood of Jesus in Ephesians 1:7 and granted us an inheritance in Ephesians 1:11.

Reason number one for all of this: because He wanted to—it was His delight. When we truly understand the immensity of the blessing, the wonder of His choosing, and the exceeding greatness of the value of our adoption and inheritance, the only appropriate response is a humble gratitude to our God. And in response to our “Thank you,” He responds, “It’s My pleasure,” and it is!

Reason number two: the praise of the glory of His grace. The grace of God freely extended toward us in the excruciating sacrifice of His Son on the cross is the apex of His glory, the pivotal focus for all eternity. It was the fulfillment of all the ancient prophesies. And it is the event that will be celebrated forever as we sing, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain!”

In our narcissistic culture, we want to think that we are the primary focus in all God has done, but that is not entirely true. We were created to celebrate His glory and for the praise of His infinite value, not our own. Blessed be His name now and forever!

Tom Day