Ephesians 1:11
Verse
Context
Spiritual Blessings
10as a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ.11In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will,12in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, would be for the praise of His glory.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
In whom - Christ Jesus; also we - believing Jews have obtained an inheritance - what was promised to Abraham and his spiritual seed, viz. the adoption of sons, and the kingdom of heaven, signified by the privileges under the Mosaic dispensation, and the possession of the promised land, but all these privileges being forfeited by the rebellion and unbelief of the Jews, they are now about to be finally cut off, and the believing part to be re-elected, and put in possession of the blessings promised to Abraham and his spiritual seed, by faith; for without a re-election, they cannot get possession of these spiritual privileges. Being predestinated - God having determined to bring both Jews and Gentiles to salvation, not by works, nor by any human means or schemes, but by Jesus Christ; that salvation being defined and determined before in the Divine mind, and the means by which it should be brought about all being according to his purpose, who consults not his creatures, but operates according to the counsel of his own will, that being ever wise, gracious, and good. The original reference is still kept up here in the word προορισθεντες, being predestinated, as in the word προορισας Eph 1:5. And as the apostle speaks of obtaining the inheritance, he most evidently refers to that of which the promised land was the type and pledge. And as that land was assigned to the Israelites by limit and lot, both of which were appointed by God so the salvation now sent to the Gentiles was as expressly their lot or portion, as the promised land was that of the people of Israel. All this shows that the Israelites were a typical people; their land, the manner of possessing it, their civil and religious code, etc., etc., all typical; and that in, by, and through them, God had fore-determined, fore-described, and fore-ascertained a greater and more glorious people, among whom the deepest counsels of his wisdom should be manifested, and the most powerful works of his eternal mercy, grace, holiness, goodness, and truth, be fully exhibited. Thus there was nothing fortuitous in the Christian scheme; all was the result of infinite counsel and design. See on Eph 1:5 (note).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
In whom--by virtue of union to whom. obtained an inheritance--literally, "We were made to have an inheritance" [WAHL]. Compare Eph 1:18, "His inheritance in the saints": as His inheritance is there said to be in them, so theirs is here said to be in Him (Act 26:18). However, Eph 1:12, "That we should BE TO . . . His glory" (not "that we should have"), favors the translation of BENGEL, ELLICOTT, and others, "We were made an inheritance." So the literal Israel (Deu 4:20; Deu 9:29; Deu 32:9). "Also" does not mean "we also," nor as English Version, "in whom also"; but, besides His having "made known to us His will," we were also "made His inheritance," or "we have also obtained an inheritance." predestinated-- (Eph 1:5). The foreordination of Israel, as the elect nation, answers to that of the spiritual Israelites, believers, to an eternal inheritance, which is the thing meant here. The "we" here and in Eph 1:12, means Jewish believers (whence the reference to the election of Israel nationally arises), as contrasted with "you" (Eph 1:13) Gentile believers. purpose--repeated from "purposed" (Eph 1:9; Eph 3:11). The Church existed in the mind of God eternally, before it existed in creation. counsel of his . . . will-- (Eph 1:5), "the good pleasure of His will." Not arbitrary caprice, but infinite wisdom ("counsel") joined with sovereign will. Compare his address to the same Ephesians in Act 20:27, "All the counsel of God" (Isa 28:29). Alike in the natural and spiritual creations, God is not an agent constrained by necessity. "Wheresoever counsel is, there is election, or else it is vain; where a will, there must be freedom, or else it is weak" [PEARSON].
John Gill Bible Commentary
In whom also we have obtained an inheritance,.... Or a part and lot; that is, have obtained one in Christ, in his person, and in his fulness of grace, in the blessings and promises which are in him; or have obtained to be the Lord's clergy, or heritage, to be his portion and inheritance; or rather to have an inheritance in him by lot, meaning the incorruptible and eternal inheritance of glory and happiness in heaven; to which elect men are chosen in Christ, and are begotten to a lively hope of through his resurrection from the dead; and which his righteousness gives a right unto, and his grace a meetness for; and which is now in his hands, and will be given to them through him: and this is said to be obtained by lot, as the word signifies, in allusion to the land of Canaan, which was divided by lot to the children of Israel; and to show that it is not by works of righteousness done by men, but by the sovereign disposal of God; and that everyone shall have his share, and that certainly; for this is not designed to represent it as a casual, or contingent thing. The Alexandrian copy reads, "in whom also we are called"; and so the Vulgate Latin version, "in whom also we are called by lot"; and the Syriac version, "in him", or "by him we are chosen", which agrees with the next clause: being predestinated according to the purpose of him, who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: predestination is not only to sonship, but to an inheritance; it not only secures the grace of adoption, but prepares and provides an heavenly portion: and this act of predestination proceeds according to a purpose; according to a purpose of God, which can never be frustrated; and according to the purpose of "that God", as one of Stephens's copies reads, that is the author of all things but sin; of the works of creation and of providence, and of grace and salvation; and who works all these according to his will, just as he pleases, and according to the counsel of it, in a wise and prudent manner, in the best way that can be devised; for he is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working; wherefore his counsel always stands, and he does all his pleasure: and hence the inheritance which the saints obtain in Christ, and are predestinated to, is sure and certain.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:11 we have received an inheritance from God: Paul often talks about salvation as an inheritance, something promised to our spiritual ancestors and received by us (see Rom 8:17; Gal 3:29; 4:7; Col 1:12; 3:24). • Because God is sovereign, he makes everything work out according to his plan (cp. Rom 8:28-30).
Ephesians 1:11
Spiritual Blessings
10as a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ.11In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will,12in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, would be for the praise of His glory.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Exodus) Exodus 6:6-13
By J. Vernon McGee3.4K11:19EXO 6:9ROM 5:1ROM 5:5ROM 5:9EPH 1:11In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the seven "I wills" of redemption found in Exodus 6:6-8. He emphasizes the importance of crossing over into a new life through the death and resurrection of Christ. The preacher highlights that believers have been blessed with all spiritual blessings and justified by faith. He explains that God's first "I will" is to bring believers out from under the burden of sin, just as He brought the Israelites out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. The preacher also emphasizes that God's ultimate goal is to bring believers into the promised land and give it to them as a heritage.
(Presenting Christ #1) the Need for Fullness
By Dana Congdon2.6K1:06:31Fulness Of ChristEPH 1:3EPH 1:7EPH 1:9EPH 1:11EPH 1:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being gathered by God and understanding His purpose. They express a desire for the church to be recovered and actively involved in gathering others. The speaker shares their experience of preaching the gospel in Russia and witnessing the work of God there. They also mention the significance of technology, such as the internet and the Jesus movie, in spreading the message of Christ. The speaker encourages believers to recognize the responsibility they have been given and to see Christ in His fullness and the work of the cross.
(Through the Bible) 1 Chronicles 12-17
By Chuck Smith2.5K55:31Through The BibleROM 12:1EPH 1:3EPH 1:7EPH 1:11EPH 1:13EPH 4:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of responding to what God has done for us rather than relying on our own efforts to earn His blessings. The speaker refers to the book of Ephesians, where Paul spends three chapters explaining all the things that God has done for believers. The speaker criticizes the use of pressure tactics and worldly methods to raise funds for God's work, stating that if God guides a project, He will provide for it. The sermon also mentions the story of David, who was overwhelmed by God's blessings and promises for him and recognized the impossibility of adequately expressing his gratitude.
(Through the Bible) Daniel 1-4
By Chuck Smith2.4K1:24:35ExpositionalDAN 2:31DAN 3:17DAN 3:25DAN 4:13DAN 4:23EPH 1:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking to bring glory to God rather than exalting oneself in any kind of ministry. The sermon references the dream of King Nebuchadnezzar, where he saw a great and awesome image with different materials representing different kingdoms. The speaker also mentions the story of Daniel and his friends choosing to eat pulse and drink water instead of the king's meat, and how they appeared healthier than the other children. The sermon concludes with the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego being thrown into the fiery furnace and how they were miraculously protected by a fourth person who appeared to be the Son of God.
Criteria for a Christian Minister
By Chuck Smith2.0K1:05:26MinistersEPH 1:4EPH 1:9EPH 1:11EPH 2:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of willingly and cheerfully giving to God. He highlights the greatness of God's love and what He has done for us as the motivation for our giving. The preacher criticizes the tendency in some ministries to focus more on what people can do for God rather than emphasizing what God has done for them. He explains that this approach can lead to guilt and frustration among believers. The sermon also discusses the concept of salvation as God's work and the corresponding response of believers in serving God.
Ravenhill Humor - Our Inheritance
By Leonard Ravenhill1.9K00:19Ravenhill HumorEternal PromisesSpiritual InheritanceROM 8:17EPH 1:11COL 3:24HEB 9:151PE 1:4Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the incredible nature of our spiritual inheritance, which is incorruptible and undefiled, contrasting it with the fleeting and corruptible things of this world. He uses humor to engage the audience, likening their response to auctioneering to a deaf and dumb crowd, highlighting the importance of recognizing and valuing this divine gift. Ravenhill encourages believers to appreciate the eternal promise that awaits them, which is beyond comparison to earthly possessions.
The Eternal Purpose of God - Part 2
By Stephen Kaung1.8K08:47PSA 139:16PRO 16:4PRO 19:21ECC 3:1ISA 46:10JER 29:11ROM 8:28EPH 1:11COL 1:16This sermon emphasizes the importance of knowing God's purpose to find meaning in life. It shares a powerful story of a woman who discovered the true meaning of life through understanding God's eternal purpose. The message highlights that without being connected to God's purpose, life can feel empty and meaningless, but once aligned with His plan, life gains profound significance and fulfillment.
A Bondslave Mentality
By Darrell Champlin1.8K26:07ServanthoodMAT 28:19ROM 8:35EPH 1:11REV 5:9REV 19:16In this sermon, Dr. Darrell Champlin speaks about the importance of having a bond slave mentality towards Christ. He emphasizes the sacrifice and suffering that Jesus endured for humanity, highlighting his crucifixion and the shedding of his blood. Dr. Champlin urges young people to dedicate themselves fully to Christ, stating that without this bond slavery, the world will face a Christless eternity. He concludes by referencing Romans 8:35-39 and Chapter 9:1-3, emphasizing the unbreakable love and commitment that God has for his people.
Plan of Salvation - Election and Predestination (Eph. 1:3-14)
By John Murray1.7K51:27SalvationPSA 119:89EPH 1:4EPH 1:7EPH 1:9EPH 1:11EPH 1:13In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of God's will and purpose in the lives of believers. He emphasizes how God combines terms to emphasize His will, using the example of being chosen in Christ and predestined. The preacher also discusses the idea of being conformed to the image of God's Son and the different interpretations of this passage. He concludes by highlighting the importance of understanding the logical relationship between election and predestination in God's saving plan.
(Ephesians) Sealed by the Spirit
By Brian Brodersen1.6K45:05EPH 1:3EPH 1:7EPH 1:9EPH 1:11EPH 1:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that everything that happens in our lives is under the control of God's loving hands. The speaker highlights various verses from the Bible to explain why God does what He does. Jesus, in his ministry, assures his disciples that although he will be leaving them, he will send the Holy Spirit to help them. The speaker also emphasizes the incredible promises that God has made to believers and encourages gratitude and praise for what God has done, is doing, and will do in the future.
(Through the Bible) Acts 26-27
By Chuck Smith1.5K1:10:48MAT 25:34ACT 26:18ACT 26:23EPH 1:11COL 1:13In this sermon, the speaker recounts the story of Paul's journey on a ship in the Book of Acts. The ship encounters a violent storm, and the crew loses hope of being saved. However, Paul encourages them to be of good cheer, assuring them that no one will lose their life. Eventually, the ship reaches land, but it gets stuck and breaks apart. The soldiers on board consider killing the prisoners to prevent them from escaping, but the centurion, who wants to save Paul, stops them. In the end, everyone on the ship safely reaches land. The speaker also briefly mentions another incident where Paul hears a voice speaking to him and is called by God.
The Eternal Purpose of God - Part 8
By Stephen Kaung1.5K05:55ROM 8:281CO 2:42CO 4:72CO 12:9EPH 1:11EPH 3:20PHP 2:13COL 1:292TI 1:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding and tapping into the exceeding great power of God to fulfill His purpose in our lives. It highlights how acknowledging our weaknesses and relying on God's power, as seen in the example of the apostle Paul, allows us to be vessels for God's work and experience His glory. The message encourages believers to align themselves with God's purpose, allowing Him to work through them to manifest His eternal plans.
(Ephesians) Election: Pure and Simple
By Jeff Noblit1.3K1:17:54ElectionROM 8:4ROM 8:29ROM 9:20EPH 1:4EPH 1:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not relying solely on the Bible for evangelism. He argues that Christians need to provide creative supporting evidence to win over the current generation. However, he disagrees with the idea of using worldly methods, such as rock music or dramatic presentations, to attract people to the gospel. Instead, he believes that Christians should focus on filling themselves with the word of God and confronting the culture with love and clarity. The preacher also addresses the issue of denial regarding God's sovereign electing choice, emphasizing the biblical truth that God predestines and chooses those whom He foreknows.
Boundless Gratitude
By Peter Masters1.3K47:13EPH 1:3EPH 1:11EPH 1:13This sermon delves into the boundless gratitude we should have towards God, focusing on the predestination of believers, the concept of adoption into God's family, and the impartation of Christ's likeness to His children. It emphasizes the divine work in salvation, the call to holiness, and the privilege of being part of God's eternal family.
The Soverign of the Universe
By William MacDonald1.3K34:44SovereigntyISA 46:10EPH 1:11PHP 1:21In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Esther as a commentary on the sovereignty of God. He emphasizes that even in difficult times when we may not see it, God is still in control and working out his purposes. The speaker shares two personal stories to illustrate this point, one involving a plane landing safely despite a mistake in signaling, and another about a lost checkbook being returned at the perfect time. The sermon concludes with the reminder that God is sovereign and is working all things together for the good of those who love him.
God, the Planner of the Church
By Stephen Kaung1.2K1:02:57ChurchEPH 1:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding God's plan and purpose for our lives. He reminds the audience that there is still time for us to yield our lives to God and be a part of His work. The speaker highlights the responsibility and urgency we have in this critical time. He explains that the pattern for the church is not found in the Old Testament or the New Testament letter, but in the living person of Jesus Christ. The speaker encourages the audience to live in the reality of God's plan and not get caught up in shadows or outdated patterns.
Faithfulness of God - Part 2
By Derek Melton1.1K51:04Character Of GodISA 25:1MAT 6:33JHN 15:16ACT 16:31EPH 1:11In this sermon, the speaker begins by encouraging the congregation to identify and reach out to members who are absent from the service. They specifically mention Sergeant Williams and Jerry, expressing concern for their well-being. The speaker then addresses the challenges and fears that come with unemployment and financial difficulties. They emphasize the power of sin and the struggle to see loved ones find salvation, but also highlight the promises of God to bring salvation to the elect. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the importance of receiving the love of the truth and the assurance that God is faithful to save.
Five Loaves and Two Fishes
By Major Ian Thomas1.1K41:23MiraclesMAT 6:33MRK 6:34LUK 9:10JHN 10:11JHN 14:6JHN 21:17EPH 1:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a miraculous quality of life through God's presence. He highlights how the disciples initially knew nothing of this miraculous living until something transformed their lives. The preacher explains that the Christian life is dependent on God's presence and without Him, we can do nothing. The sermon also discusses the story of Jesus feeding the hungry crowd with limited resources, demonstrating that what may seem impossible from a human perspective is possible through God's perspective.
The Attributes of God - Part 3
By William MacDonald96336:38Attributes of GodPSA 115:4PRO 16:9ISA 46:9MAT 6:33ROM 12:2EPH 1:3EPH 1:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing the existence of God and our accountability to Him. He argues that if evolution were true and there was no God, there would be no moral accountability and chaos would prevail. The speaker quotes Daniel Webster, who believed that his accountability to God was the greatest thought he ever had. The sermon also highlights the connection between belief and behavior, emphasizing the need to have correct doctrine and align our lives with it. The speaker concludes by stating that we become like what we worship, and encourages worshiping the true God, Jesus Christ.
Job #4: God's Appearance
By Stephen Kaung93147:15JOB 40:2ISA 6:5DAN 10:8MAT 6:33ROM 8:17EPH 1:11HEB 12:23In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for humility and self-awareness in the presence of God. He references biblical examples such as Eli and Daniel, who recognized their own unworthiness and sinfulness when encountering God. The speaker poses a series of rhetorical questions to highlight the insignificance of human knowledge and abilities compared to God's wisdom and power. He emphasizes that God's purpose is to bring us to a point of realizing our own nothingness and dependency on Him. The sermon concludes with the reminder that when God appears to us, He brings us to our senses and reveals our true nature as sinful and in need of His grace.
Pattern in Building
By Stephen Kaung8941:18:30EXO 25:91CH 28:111CH 28:19EPH 1:11COL 2:6HEB 8:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the pattern on which God builds the church. He explains that the New Testament provides a blueprint for the church, starting with the four Gospels which give a picture of Christ from different perspectives. The preacher emphasizes the importance of having a purpose and a pattern when building something significant. He also mentions that the church is both heavenly in nature and touches the earth, reaching out to all people. The sermon encourages believers to have fellowship with one another and to not consider anyone unclean, as Christ has received all who believe in him.
Brownsville Revival, Part 1
By David Ravenhill8159:26RevivalGod's PurposeThe Abrahamic CovenantPSA 67:1PSA 96:3ISA 42:6MAL 1:11ACT 13:36ACT 20:27ROM 8:28GAL 3:8EPH 1:112TI 1:9David Ravenhill emphasizes the importance of understanding God's purpose and calling in the life of believers, using the metaphor of a jigsaw puzzle to illustrate how many Christians possess fragmented pieces of truth without seeing the complete picture. He discusses the significance of the Abrahamic Covenant, highlighting that God's intention was for Israel to be a blessing to all nations, not merely to enjoy His blessings for themselves. Ravenhill warns against the church's focus on conversions over callings, urging believers to recognize their divine purpose and to manifest God's glory in their lives. He stresses that true leadership requires a clear vision of where one is going, and that understanding God's overarching plan is essential for effective ministry.
Southern Salt Morning 2
By David Ravenhill331:08:47God's PurposeChristian LifeObedience in FaithMAT 28:19ACT 13:36ROM 8:28EPH 1:112TI 1:9David Ravenhill emphasizes the importance of understanding God's purpose for our lives, likening it to assembling a jigsaw puzzle without the box. He encourages believers to recognize that being saved comes with a calling to actively participate in God's mission to bless all nations. Ravenhill warns against becoming so engrossed in religious knowledge that we lose sight of our responsibility to share the gospel and fulfill God's purpose. He highlights that obedience is key to fulfilling this calling and urges the audience to seek their role in God's plan, ultimately leading to a life that counts for eternity.
Isaiah 14:22
By Chuck Smith0God's PurposeSubmission to GodPSA 33:11PRO 19:21ISA 14:22ISA 46:10JER 29:11MAT 11:28ACT 2:23ROM 8:28EPH 1:111PE 5:6Chuck Smith emphasizes God's unchanging purpose for humanity, asserting that life is not a product of chance but part of a divine plan known by God from the beginning. He explains that God's ultimate purpose is to have close fellowship with man, which requires willing submission to Him, and that the chaos in the world serves as a reminder of humanity's need for divine guidance. Smith warns against the futility of resisting God's purpose, illustrating that attempts to thwart it only lead to self-destruction. He calls for the church to focus on leading people to Christ rather than merely alleviating suffering, as true redemption comes from turning to the Savior.
Isaiah 14:24
By Chuck Smith0Purpose of PrayerGod's SovereigntyPSA 33:11PRO 19:21ISA 14:24JER 29:11MAT 6:10ROM 8:28EPH 1:111TH 5:16JAS 4:152PE 3:9Chuck Smith emphasizes that God's purposes are unchangeable and will ultimately prevail, regardless of the moral decay seen in society today. He discusses how God has established specific purposes for nations and individuals, and while these purposes may be delayed, they will not be disannulled. Smith highlights the importance of prayer, noting that it does not change God's plans but opens the door for His will to be accomplished. He reassures that God's loving purpose for each person is for their highest good, urging individuals to align their will with God's. The sermon calls for recognition of God's sovereignty and the necessity of seeking His will in our lives.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
In whom - Christ Jesus; also we - believing Jews have obtained an inheritance - what was promised to Abraham and his spiritual seed, viz. the adoption of sons, and the kingdom of heaven, signified by the privileges under the Mosaic dispensation, and the possession of the promised land, but all these privileges being forfeited by the rebellion and unbelief of the Jews, they are now about to be finally cut off, and the believing part to be re-elected, and put in possession of the blessings promised to Abraham and his spiritual seed, by faith; for without a re-election, they cannot get possession of these spiritual privileges. Being predestinated - God having determined to bring both Jews and Gentiles to salvation, not by works, nor by any human means or schemes, but by Jesus Christ; that salvation being defined and determined before in the Divine mind, and the means by which it should be brought about all being according to his purpose, who consults not his creatures, but operates according to the counsel of his own will, that being ever wise, gracious, and good. The original reference is still kept up here in the word προορισθεντες, being predestinated, as in the word προορισας Eph 1:5. And as the apostle speaks of obtaining the inheritance, he most evidently refers to that of which the promised land was the type and pledge. And as that land was assigned to the Israelites by limit and lot, both of which were appointed by God so the salvation now sent to the Gentiles was as expressly their lot or portion, as the promised land was that of the people of Israel. All this shows that the Israelites were a typical people; their land, the manner of possessing it, their civil and religious code, etc., etc., all typical; and that in, by, and through them, God had fore-determined, fore-described, and fore-ascertained a greater and more glorious people, among whom the deepest counsels of his wisdom should be manifested, and the most powerful works of his eternal mercy, grace, holiness, goodness, and truth, be fully exhibited. Thus there was nothing fortuitous in the Christian scheme; all was the result of infinite counsel and design. See on Eph 1:5 (note).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
In whom--by virtue of union to whom. obtained an inheritance--literally, "We were made to have an inheritance" [WAHL]. Compare Eph 1:18, "His inheritance in the saints": as His inheritance is there said to be in them, so theirs is here said to be in Him (Act 26:18). However, Eph 1:12, "That we should BE TO . . . His glory" (not "that we should have"), favors the translation of BENGEL, ELLICOTT, and others, "We were made an inheritance." So the literal Israel (Deu 4:20; Deu 9:29; Deu 32:9). "Also" does not mean "we also," nor as English Version, "in whom also"; but, besides His having "made known to us His will," we were also "made His inheritance," or "we have also obtained an inheritance." predestinated-- (Eph 1:5). The foreordination of Israel, as the elect nation, answers to that of the spiritual Israelites, believers, to an eternal inheritance, which is the thing meant here. The "we" here and in Eph 1:12, means Jewish believers (whence the reference to the election of Israel nationally arises), as contrasted with "you" (Eph 1:13) Gentile believers. purpose--repeated from "purposed" (Eph 1:9; Eph 3:11). The Church existed in the mind of God eternally, before it existed in creation. counsel of his . . . will-- (Eph 1:5), "the good pleasure of His will." Not arbitrary caprice, but infinite wisdom ("counsel") joined with sovereign will. Compare his address to the same Ephesians in Act 20:27, "All the counsel of God" (Isa 28:29). Alike in the natural and spiritual creations, God is not an agent constrained by necessity. "Wheresoever counsel is, there is election, or else it is vain; where a will, there must be freedom, or else it is weak" [PEARSON].
John Gill Bible Commentary
In whom also we have obtained an inheritance,.... Or a part and lot; that is, have obtained one in Christ, in his person, and in his fulness of grace, in the blessings and promises which are in him; or have obtained to be the Lord's clergy, or heritage, to be his portion and inheritance; or rather to have an inheritance in him by lot, meaning the incorruptible and eternal inheritance of glory and happiness in heaven; to which elect men are chosen in Christ, and are begotten to a lively hope of through his resurrection from the dead; and which his righteousness gives a right unto, and his grace a meetness for; and which is now in his hands, and will be given to them through him: and this is said to be obtained by lot, as the word signifies, in allusion to the land of Canaan, which was divided by lot to the children of Israel; and to show that it is not by works of righteousness done by men, but by the sovereign disposal of God; and that everyone shall have his share, and that certainly; for this is not designed to represent it as a casual, or contingent thing. The Alexandrian copy reads, "in whom also we are called"; and so the Vulgate Latin version, "in whom also we are called by lot"; and the Syriac version, "in him", or "by him we are chosen", which agrees with the next clause: being predestinated according to the purpose of him, who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: predestination is not only to sonship, but to an inheritance; it not only secures the grace of adoption, but prepares and provides an heavenly portion: and this act of predestination proceeds according to a purpose; according to a purpose of God, which can never be frustrated; and according to the purpose of "that God", as one of Stephens's copies reads, that is the author of all things but sin; of the works of creation and of providence, and of grace and salvation; and who works all these according to his will, just as he pleases, and according to the counsel of it, in a wise and prudent manner, in the best way that can be devised; for he is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working; wherefore his counsel always stands, and he does all his pleasure: and hence the inheritance which the saints obtain in Christ, and are predestinated to, is sure and certain.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:11 we have received an inheritance from God: Paul often talks about salvation as an inheritance, something promised to our spiritual ancestors and received by us (see Rom 8:17; Gal 3:29; 4:7; Col 1:12; 3:24). • Because God is sovereign, he makes everything work out according to his plan (cp. Rom 8:28-30).