“In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will” (Eph. 1:11).
The final words of verse 10 are actually the beginning words of our next promise. They remind us that all our blessings are “in Christ.” We readily understand what it means to receive an inheritance. When my mother died, she left all the three children each a portion of her remaining estate. None of us did anything to earn it. It was simply a gift based on the fact that we were family.
In the Old Testament Israel was seen as God’s heritage. They were His people and thus received undeserved blessing from His hand. In Christ, we have all been admitted to the ranks of His chosen people, the holy heritage of God. Thus we are His heritage and thus have our inheritance in Him. Our inheritance “in Him” not only is the promise of eternal life but fullness of His grace as described throughout the Ephesian letter. We receive our inheritance now and for all eternity.
Paul has already used the word “predestined” in verse 5 to refer to God’s eternal plan to adopt us as sons through Jesus Christ. In this verse he uses “predestined” to refer to God’s eternal plan to bring men and women, Jew and Gentile alike into a community that would be His unique inheritance. And whatever God has purposed is sure of fulfillment for He “works all things after the counsel of His will.” In other words, when God has decreed something, His wisdom, power, and love work in every historical event to accomplish what He has planned. No power in heaven or earth can keep God from fulfilling His predestined plan to make all those “in Christ” His own heritage.
Prayer: Father, I thank You for allowing me to be Your heritage in Christ. Amen.