Ephesians 1:4-5 NIV

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 1:3-14

THANKSGIVING FOR THEIR DIVINE ORDINATION TO THE BLESSINGS OF GRACE . In this glorious anthem, in which the apostle, tracing all to the Divine Fountain, enumerates the glorious privileges of the Church, and blesses God for them, he first ( Ephesians 1:3 ) states summarily the ground of thanksgiving, expanding it with glowing fullness in Ephesians 1:4-14 . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 1:3-14

The thanksgiving. The condition of believers is fitted to excite the profoundest emotions of gratitude and praise in all who know them. Grounds of this thankfulness are— I. STATED SUMMARILY . ( Ephesians 1:3 .) (For outline discourse on this text, see Exposition.) II. STATED IN DETAIL . ( Ephesians 1:4-14 .) The chief elements of blessing are: 1. Holiness and blamelessness in love, secured by God's eternal election ( Ephesians 1:4 ). 2. Adoption, secured in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 1:4

Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world ; literally, he chose us out , or selected us ( ἐξελέξατο ) for himself (middle voice). The Father chose the heirs of salvation, selected those who were to be quickened from the dead ( Ephesians 2:1 ) and saved, they chose them in Christ —in connection with his work and office as Mediator, giving them to him to be re-decreed ( John 17:11 , John 17:12 ); not after man was created, nor after man had fallen, but... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 1:4

The origin of our blessings: the election of grace. The difficulties that attach to this doctrine do not arise from any ambiguity in the Scripture proofs which support it, but from the nature of the doctrine itself, and its apparent inconsistency with other doctrines of Scripture. Many of the difficulties, indeed, that we associate with the doctrine are involved in the doctrine of Divine providence; so much so that William III . could say to Bishop Burnett, "Did I not believe absolute... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 1:4-6

God's idea of humanity. We commonly regard our lives from a human standpoint, which we cannot well leave even in thought. But, if it were possible, it would be most interesting to see how God looks upon them. Now, it is one of the objects of revelation to help us to do this—to lead us to see ourselves as God sees us. Next to the vision of God himself, such a picture of humanity as it appears in the eyes of God is of the greatest importance. The manifestation of our present condition in the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 1:4-10

Origination of the Church. I. THE CHURCH TRACED UP TO THE ELECTIVE LOVE OF GOD . 1. Chosen for himself . "Even as he chose us." He chose us out of the sinful mass of humanity. He chose us for himself, as he chose ancient Israel for himself. 2. Chosen in Christ as covenant Head . "In him." He was God's sovereign choice: "Behold my Servant, whom I have chosen." Abraham, notably among men, was chosen; and, viewed as existing in him as their covenant... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 1:5

Having predestinated (or, foreordained ) us to adoption through Jesus Christ unto himself. The same idea is denoted by προορίσας in this verse and ἐξελέξατο in Ephesians 1:3 , but while in ξελέξατο the idea of selection out from among others is prominent, in προορίσας the special phase of thought is that of the time , πρὸ , before—before the foundation of the world. Both denote the exercise of Divine sovereignty. In Ephesians 1:4 we have the ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 1:5

Adoption. I. In a certain sense, all men are children of God (Ma Ephesians 2:10 ); i.e. God has a fatherly interest in them and yearning towards them. But sinners have forfeited the rights and position of sons; they are like the prodigal son, "not worthy to be called thy son." Thus they have no claim on God. Nay, they are "children of wrath" ( Ephesians 2:3 ). II. Sonship in God's family is for sinners only the fruit of adoption. Adoption is solely by grace, through Jesus... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 1:5

The adoption. "Having predestinated us to the adoption of sons by Jesus Christ to himself." "Adoption" in Scripture expresses more than a change of relation—it includes the change of nature as well as the change of relation. It thus combines the blessings of justification and sanctification, or represents the complex condition of the believer as at once the subject of both. In a word, it presents the new creature in his new relations. This passage teaches— I. THAT ADOPTION ... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ephesians 1:4

According as - The importance of this verse will render proper a somewhat minute examination of the words and phrases of which it is composed. The general sense of the passage is, that these blessings pertaining to heaven were bestowed upon Christians in accordance with an eternal purpose. They were not conferred by chance or hap-hazard. They were the result of intention and design on the part of God. Their value was greatly enhanced from the fact that God had designed from all eternity to... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 1:3-14

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 1:3-14

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 1:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 1:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 1:4-6

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 1:4-10

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 1:5

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 1:5

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 1:5

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ephesians 1:4

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