"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 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: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also 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. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory."
In today's quote Paul first expressed greetings and salutations to the faithful at Ephesus. He then identified himself, the faithful Ephesians, and all other believers in Christ, as having being "predestined" to become the children of God.
Contrary to what many today contend, God indeed had foreknowledge of the path to eternity that will be chosen by all of us. If this were not true, our Father in heaven could not be an omniscient, all knowing God.
Although it is God's will that ALL should be saved, He knows there are many who, of their own free will reject His grace. And yes, He has known all along who they will be.
In the last part of today's quote, Paul again stresses the eternal security of the believer. In verses thirteen and fourteen, Paul said; "after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory."
The above quoted text assures those of us whom have placed our faith in Jesus Christ that our spirit has been "sealed" by the Holy Spirit until redemption comes.
This lesson should assure any doubter that once a lost soul is saved by the grace of God, that soul can NEVER be lost again seeing that it is sealed by the Holy Spirit of God of promise until the day of judgment.~
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