The Blessedness of Election and Adoption

 "He chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved."

-Ephesians 1:4-6

The doctrine of election is one that has seemed to be a divisive issue among believers for many years. Proponents for and against election are both ardent in their views on the subject. While those who stand against this doctrine claim to have scriptural proof against it, it is hard for anyone to argue against God’s sovereign election from Ephesians 1:4-6.

Paul states clearly, in his letter to the church in Ephesus, that God had chosen His people before He had even created the world. But why would God choose me? This has been the question asked by everyone who understands this doctrine. The fact of the matter is that God chose His people, not because of any merit of their own, for we are all sinners, but He chose His elect for the purpose of living holy and blameless lives before Him. Once the Lord opens one's mind to the doctrine of God’s electoral grace, this person should not respond in arrogance. We should not lord our election over everyone’s head, so to speak. The Lord’s people should respond to their election with humility so that they can be blameless before Him.
 

But this passage goes on to describe much more than God’s election. Not only did God elect His people for salvation, He has also adopted His people through Christ. This means that we are royalty. We have been adopted into the royal family through the selfless sacrifice of the Prince of Peace. We have inherited every blessing that Christ the Son has inherited, which is eternal life through His death and resurrection.

Let us not respond to these doctrines in arrogance, nor with ignorance. But let us respond in a spirit of humility. And let us not spend precious time hotly debating these doctrines with other believers, but let us calmly encourage each other, praying that the Lord would open minds to a proper understanding of His word. Oh what blessed doctrines these are. Thank the Lord for your election and adoption!