In this case, the word “chosen” in verse 11 may not be the best translation. The original Greek word here is κληρονομεω, and means to obtain, and by implication, to obtain by inheritance into the family of God. The spiritual blessings we have come by virtue of the fact we have entered into covenant with Jesus Christ. However, He chose me before I chose Him.

Note also that it was God’s plan all along (predestination) to work everything out according to His will. Everything that happens has the divine purpose of working God’s will out in us, which is to glorify God in our lives. Although Paul and the early church were the first to hope in Christ, we follow in agreement. And there will be many more who follow after us. I’m praying for them right now.

Who are you praying for today?

We are chosen! We are chosen in Him. On election day we go to the voting poles to chose our elected representatives in government. Unfortunately, some don’t get chosen. But God had an election day and voted for you! Satan also voted and voted against you. Your vote breaks the tie. If you chose God, then your vote and His vote wins and you are chosen.

Note the scripture says that He chose us before the creation of the world. This is where the predestination comes in. In His divine knowledge, He made a choice, and we are it.

Note also what He chose us to be: Holy and blameless in His sight. How can God, who is all-knowing, see people like us holy and blameless? Answer: He chooses to only see the blood of His Son, Who died for us. He chooses not to see the worldly side of us. That doesn’t mean we’re not sinners in reality. It means that we are sinners saved by grace and have a continual need for His grace in our lives.

What does it mean to you that you are chosen by a Holy God?

To predestine something is to preset the destination before hand. So, Paul declares that God had predestined you to come to Christ even before you responded to the message. That doesn’t mean you didn’t have a choice in the matter, but that God knew in advance the choice you would make.

Note also that the destiny he preset was that you would be adopted into His family. The second spiritual blessing, then, is that we have been adopted into the family of God. To be adopted is to be an outsider who is legally brought into the family to become an insider. With no claim to family rights, family rights are bestowed upon you by the authority of the adoption.

An adoption is a legal process that will hold up in a court. In the case of the spiritual adoption of sinners like us, it means that we are brought into the family of God as full members. He treats us like sons and daughters, not mere servants.

What have you learned about adoption that sheds light on our relationship with God?