This commentary is a work in progress and may be revised as study continues. If you have a question, spot an error, or want to discuss a passage, please reach out.
1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
There are two common interpretations of this chapter, and both assume Paul is talking about salvation, that the “chosen” in this passage refers to the lost being converted:
God chose or predetermined who would be saved before the foundation of the world, selecting specific individuals apart from their will or response.
God chose based on His foreknowledge of who would believe, making election conditional on human free will. God foresees who will respond to Him, and those individuals are viewed as elect.
However, a straightforward reading of the text, comparing Scripture with Scripture, shows that neither of these views reflect sound exegesis. Paul is writing to “the saints”, repeatedly saying “we” and “us” throughout the chapter. He is not addressing unbelievers. In this light, the chapter is not about how the lost become saved, but about what God has destined for those who are already in Christ. Paul continues this theme through chapters 1–3: the blessings, identity, and future of believers.
The key phrase that unlocks the entire chapter is “in Christ Jesus.” According to Paul, all humanity is either in Adam (our natural state before salvation) or in Christ (our new state after salvation).
We are born “in Adam,” which means there was a time we were not “in Christ.” Paul makes this clear in 1 Corinthians 15:22: “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” This is why Jesus says we must be born again (John 3:3). Salvation places us in Christ (also stated in Philippians 3:9; Ephesians 3:6, 2 Corinthians 5:21).
Paul even acknowledges his own transition, noting that others “were in Christ before me” (Romans 16:7).
2 Corinthians 5:17 further shows that being “in Christ” is a conditional reality: “Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature…”
In context to this book, Paul says the Gentiles were not in Christ but now are:
Ephesians 2:11 we were “in the flesh” and
Ephesians 2:12 “at that time ye were without Christ”.
Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus”
2Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
We must first experience the grace (free gift Romans 5:15, Ephesians 2:8-9) of God to experience the peace of God.
3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
The phrase “in Christ” (and in verse 4, “in Him”) is the qualifying condition for every blessing Paul lists. Yet these two words are often overlooked in mainstream Christian books, sermons, and explanations of this passage. If you remove them, the text sounds as if God selected certain lost individuals to be saved before creation. But when you include them, as the text requires, the meaning changes entirely.
The first three chapters of Ephesians explain the spiritual blessings God has prepared for those who are “in Christ”, those who have believed the gospel. Recognizing this is essential before moving forward.
Notice again that Paul is speaking about post-salvation realities. Where are these blessings found? “In Christ.”
Once united to Him, we receive an inheritance, become co-heirs, will receive a new body, and share in all He has promised (Romans 8:17; Matthew 25:34; 1 Peter 1:3–4; 1 John 3:2; 1 Corinthians 15:48–49; Philippians 3:21).
The phrase“in heavenly places”refers to a present spiritual reality that will one day become a physical one when we are with Him. We’ll explore this further in verse 5 when discussing adoption.
4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Paul lists the first blessing for a believer here, that we will be holy and without blame before him in love.
Misunderstanding “chosen us”
Some interpret “chosen us” as God picking who would be Christians before the foundation of the world, or as foreknowing who would believe. They read it as if it were written “chosen to be in Christ before the foundation of the world.” However, this is not what the text says, the words “to be” or anything similar are not in Scripture.
Instead, Paul clearly describes our past condition:
Ephesians 2:11 we were “in the flesh” and
Ephesians 2:12 “at that time ye were without Christ”.
The word “in” is critical not to overlook. If we were “in Christ” at the foundation of the world, how could we later have been “without Christ” and “in the flesh”? How would God lose someone He supposedly chose before creation? Thus, the interpretation that we were individually chosen for salvation before the foundation of the world does not fit the meaning of this verse nor the context of Paul’s letter.
Who was chosen before the foundation of the world?
Before Christ in our Adamic state we were not “chosen before the foundation of the world”. The only One explicitly chosen before the foundation of the world is Jesus:
1 Peter 1:20 “Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,”
See also: John 17:24 — Jesus alone is said to have been loved by the Father before the foundation of the world. Nowhere does Scripture explicitly apply this language to the elect or to any other human being. The “before the foundation of the world” designation is uniquely Christ-centered.
How do you become chosen “in Him”?
The text says he has “chosen us in him”, so in order to be chosen, you must be in Him. Not one person is born in Him. Paul is clear that by simply believing the gospel we become “in Christ”:
Ephesians 2:13 “but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” (by faith we get the blood Romans 3:25)
Philippians 3:9 “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith”
Ephesians 3:6 ”That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christby the gospel”
What are we chosen for and when did God determine this?
Once we are in Christ, we are chosen for a destiny, not salvation itself. Paul tells us this destiny is“to be holy and without blame before Him in love.”God determined this would happen “before the foundation of the world” for those who would eventually believe and receive His Son.At the same time, God also planned the following at the same time:
Eternal life
Titus 1:2 “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;”
For both Jews and Gentiles
Ephesians 3:9 “And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:”
As an analogy: imagine a room prepared for next Friday night with free popcorn and a movie. The owner decided long beforehand to offer these gifts. Anyone who enters the room that night is chosen to receive what was prepared. But each person must decide whether to enter. The point is simple: the blessing belongs to those in the room. Likewise, being in Christ is what places us in the position to receive the chosen outcome, holiness and blamelessness before God. Even Paul (Romans 16:7) was not always “in the room.”
We can also see His redemptive plan revealed immediately after creation in the prophetic meanings of the earliest names in Genesis. Together they form the message: “Man appointed mortal sorrow, but the blessed God shall come down teaching that His death shall bring the despairing rest”:
Adam (אָדָם) – Man or Human (Genesis 5:1–2)
Seth (שֵׁת) – Appointed (Genesis 5:3)
Enosh (אֱנוֹשׁ) – Mortal or Man (Genesis 5:6)
Kenan (קֵין) – Sorrow or Acquisition (Genesis 5:9)
Mahalalel (מַהֲלַלְאֵל) – The Blessed God or Praise of God (Genesis 5:12)
Jared (יָרֶד) – Shall come down (Genesis 5:15)
Enoch (חֲנוֹךְ) – Teaching or Dedicated (Genesis 5:18)
Methuselah (מְתוּשֶׁלַח) – His death shall bring (or When he dies, it shall come) (Genesis 5:21)
Lamech (לֶמֶךְ) – Despairing or Powerful (Genesis 5:25)
Noah (נֹחַ) – Rest or Comfort (Genesis 5:28–29)
In John 17:24 Jesus speaking to the Father says “for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world”. This love the Father had for Jesus before the foundation of the world is what the believer gets to join into once saved the “in love” Paul says here in verse 4.
5Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Paul lists another blessing for a believer here that they are destined for adoption.
As we will see, this verse is not about lost people being predestined to be converted. That would be addressing the wrong audience and targeting the wrong purpose. Some interpret this verse as referring to salvation itself, but in doing so, they miss the point and contradict Scripture, which clearly shows that God desires all people to be saved (2 Peter 3:9, 1 Timothy 2:3-4, John 6:40). Rather, as the following discussion will show, it refers to what God has purposed for those who have already believed: the blessings and destiny that He delights to bestow on His children.
Who is Paul’s audience?
Next, we need to establish who the “us” refers to in this passage. Looking back at verse 1, Paul addresses the “saints” and “faithful in Christ Jesus”, that is, believers. This shows that the audience is saved Christians, not the unsaved. As we will see, this further confirms that Paul is not speaking about salvation itself here, but rather about the blessings and destiny already prepared for those who are in Christ.
What does “predestinated us unto the adoption” mean?
Thirdly, the key point is that the Bible speaks of adoption in two senses, and we must recognize this distinction to interpret the verse correctly. Scripture nowhere teaches that “salvation = adoption.” That idea often comes from tradition, songs, or human teaching rather than the biblical use of the term.
On the one hand, we do experience a spiritual adoption at conversion, as John says:
“Now are we the sons of God...” (1 John 3:2).
Yet in the very same verse John also speaks of a future reality yet to come:
“...We shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” (1 John 3:2).
This refers to the actual adoption which includes our glorified bodies and our inheritance blessings we clearly do not possess yet. This is why Paul says we are “predestinated” to adoption: it is the guaranteed future completion of what began when we were saved. We can break it down this way:
Spirit of Adoption
This occurs at salvation. Believers are already adopted as children of God through faith in Christ. This adoption is spiritual: we receive the Spirit of adoption, who seals us and guarantees our future (Eph 1:13-14), final adoption and inheritance. Because of this present reality, believers can now cry, “Abba, Father.” Spiritually, we are already God’s sons and daughters and heirs.
Romans 8:15-16 “...ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:” See also Galatians 4:5-6.
Adoption (full, future realization)
Paul is saying that while believers already experience spiritual adoption, we await the full consummation of “the adoption” when our bodies are redeemed and glorified. This is a future reality, the complete realization of our adoption, where our bodies will be fully transformed to match our spiritual status as children of God.
Notice he uses the same language “the adoption” as here in Ephesians 1:5 and it is speaking of the body to come: Romans 8:23 “...even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.” See also Romans 8:19.
In the ancient world, adoption was a legal act granting full heir status, including inheritance. Similarly, we will receive glorified bodies and inheritance as part of our future adoption.
Therefore, the word “predestinated” here does not refer to conversion or God choosing certain people for salvation. Instead, it refers to a future destiny for already saved believers. The word itself helps illuminate this truth: God determined long ago, pre (before) + destined (appointed) that those who are “in Christ” are divinely appointed to be transformed into the likeness of Christ on the day of His appearing.
In Romans 8:29 we read “he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son”.
Then in 1 John 3:2 “...and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him...”
And also in 1 Corinthians 15:52 “...and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”
This is all part of the adoption to come (Romans 8:23). Believers will be fully adopted in heaven, with glorified bodies, conformed to the image of His Son. See also 1 Corinthians 15:48-49, Philippians 3:21.
Think of modern adoption: a child may legally become yours before actually living in your home. This mirrors the Spirit of Adoption, which makes believers God’s children now. The child’s arrival represents the final stage of adoption, when we will see Jesus, receive glorified bodies, and fully experience our inheritance as God’s children.
What is His good pleasure of His will?
We know that God’s will is for all men to be saved; therefore His “good pleasure” here refers to what He has lovingly prepared to give to those who believe. Jesus uses this same phrase in Luke 12:32:
“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
God delights to give, not out of obligation, but out of His self-giving, selfless love. As Scripture says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” This same truth appears again in Matthew 25:34, where Jesus says:
“Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”
Here the two themes converge:
God’s good pleasure in preparing the kingdom, and
the believer’s future inheritance of that kingdom.
Although believers are already children of God now and heirs, we still wait for the adoption in its fullness, the redemption of our body (Romans 8:23) and our inheritance (Romans 8:15–17, Galatians 4:4–7). The Father’s good pleasure is to give us, in Christ, everything that belongs to His Son. God’s determination is that all who are “in Christ” will be transformed into the image and likeness of Christ at His appearing.
Below is a list of the things Scripture says believers are predestined or promised to receive, each one a future blessing:
We will rise from the dead like Jesus: 1 Corinthians 15:20-23
We are heirs now but await our full inheritance: Romans 8:17, Ephesians 1:13–14, Romans 8:23
We will reign with Him: 2 Timothy 2:11-12, Revelation 20:4, 6
We will receive the inheritance reserved for us: Colossians 3:24, Matthew 25:34, 1 Peter 1:3-4
We will be conformed to the image of Jesus: 1 John 3:2, 1 Corinthians 15:48-49, Philippians 3:21, Romans 8:29
In summary, God gladly adopts us into His family, promises us new bodies, and makes us co-heirs with His Son, sharing with us all that belongs to Christ.
6To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
7In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
8Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
9Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
Who is the “us”here?
Paul tells us in Ephesians 3:3,5 “he made known unto me the mystery” and “it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit”.
This “us” is referring to Paul, the apostles and prophets not the Ephesians.
This “mystery of His will” refers to God’s previously hidden plan to send His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for sinners and provide salvation to all mankind, including the Gentiles. This was a truth not fully revealed or understood in the Old Testament, and it was something the Jewish people did not foresee: that Gentiles would become fellow-heirs and part of the same body in Christ.
Ephesians 3:4-6 “Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ, Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel.”
Colossians 1:26-27 “ Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:” See also Ephesians 3:2-4, Ephesians 6:19, 1 Corinthians 2:6-8, Romans 16:25–26
The “good pleasure” of God is His gracious purpose to extend salvation to all people. What was once hidden in former ages is now revealed in Christ: that God, according to His own will and delight, shows mercy to all. Paul explains that this universal offer of salvation flows from God’s own pleasure and purpose, for He “will have all men to be saved” and has concluded all in unbelief “that he might have mercy upon all.”
1 Timothy 2:3-4 “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”
Romans 11:30-32: “For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.”
10That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
Paul is saying here that God waited for a certain time “dispensation of the fulness of times” to bring all things, all people Jews, Gentiles, slaves and free people together in Christ so we are all “in him”.
As 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 says ““For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.””
And Colossians 1:19-20 ““For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.”
11In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
Once again Paul uses the key phrase “in whom.” Those who are in Christ have been appointed to receive a future inheritance. God determined beforehand that all who would be united to Christ would share this destiny, this is why Paul says we are “predestinated.”
In Ephesians 1, Paul highlights two specific blessings God predetermined for the future of all who are believers. The second of these is the one he is referring to here in verse 11:
Adoption - New bodies in the image of Jesus (Ephesians 1:5, 1 John 3:2, Romans 8:23, Romans 8:29)
Inheritance - Sharing in Christ’s kingdom (Ephesians 1:11;1:14, Matthew 25:34, Romans 8:17). This inheritance is guaranteed through the Holy Spirit, who seals believers and confirms their future blessing (Ephesians 1:13–14).
1 Peter 1:4-9 “To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
As already shown in verses 5 and 9, Paul is not talking about God’s “will” in choosing who would be saved, but God’s “will” regarding what He planned to give those who are saved.
The idea of an “inheritance” fits perfectly with Jewish tradition. A child was legally entitled to the father’s inheritance (Deuteronomy 21:15–17; Numbers 27:8–11; Proverbs 13:22). Likewise, those who become God’s children in Christ are appointed to receive what He prepared for them, glorified bodies, the kingdom, and every spiritual blessing in the age to come (e.g., 1 Corinthians 15:48–49; Philippians 3:21; Matthew 25:34; 1 Peter 1:3–4).
12That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
Were the Ephesians the ones who first trusted in Christ? We know this is not the case therefore this “we”is distinctly talking about a different group of people, namely Paul and the apostles (and other Jewish believers). As verse 13 below says “ye also trusted”.
13In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
The “sealed” here in the Greek is Strong's G4972 - sphragizō and it carries a few meanings one of which is “for security: from Satan”. This sealing is a stamp outwardly that we are God’s as a seal but also it is sealing up as you would seal a bottle closed with a lid on it. In ancient times, seals were used to mark documents or possessions as belonging to someone and to indicate that they were genuine and protected.
Paul also says this in 2 Corinthians 1:22 “Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.”
“Sealed” is in the “Aorist” tense in Greek means the action is completed, it is done and it happened at a specific time in the past.
14Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
The word “earnest” here is Strong's G728 - arrabōn and it implies a pledge or guarantee of something that will be fully realized in the future. This is like an engagement ring.
We see this echoed in 2 Corinthians 1:22 “...and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.”
Paul says the same thing again in 2 Corinthians 5:5 “... who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.”
The phrase “until the redemption” indicates that this sealing of the Holy Spirit continues until a future event the redemption of believers. There is no other option here, the guarantee is until one event, redemption. This is ongoing security and assurance for the believer. The Lord doesn’t want us to live in fear (2 Timothy 1:7).
To confirm this he states it again but clearly says how long this seal will last upon us in Ephesians 4:30 “And grieve not thse holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.”
In 1 Corinthians 1:8 Paul also states He is with us until the end “Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Furthermore, this seal cannot be undone by either party. God promises us until the day of redemption and once we believe we are no longer our own, we are bought with a price. No longer our own, we don’t have authority to reverse it. If God bought us, the purchaser then owns us.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.”
Paul has just described the two future blessings believers are predestinated for, adoption (Ephesians 1:5) and inheritance (Ephesians 1:11). He now emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is the guarantee, the down payment, that God will faithfully bring these promises to completion.
In conclusion of verse 13 and 14, the sealing of the Spirit is a one time event that is once and for all until the believer meets the Lord. The sealing is a definitive act that provides assurance of the future fulfillment of salvation. It is understood as a secure mark that guarantees the future inheritance.
15Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
16Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
17That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
18The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
19And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
20Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
21Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
22And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
23Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
1
Ephesians 1 — Forever Word commentary
King James VersionThis commentary is a work in progress and may be revised as study continues. If you have a question, spot an error, or want to discuss a passage, please reach out.
1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
There are two common interpretations of this chapter, and both assume Paul is talking about salvation, that the “chosen” in this passage refers to the lost being converted:
God chose or predetermined who would be saved before the foundation of the world, selecting specific individuals apart from their will or response.
God chose based on His foreknowledge of who would believe, making election conditional on human free will. God foresees who will respond to Him, and those individuals are viewed as elect.
However, a straightforward reading of the text, comparing Scripture with Scripture, shows that neither of these views reflect sound exegesis. Paul is writing to “the saints”, repeatedly saying “we” and “us” throughout the chapter. He is not addressing unbelievers. In this light, the chapter is not about how the lost become saved, but about what God has destined for those who are already in Christ. Paul continues this theme through chapters 1–3: the blessings, identity, and future of believers.
The key phrase that unlocks the entire chapter is “in Christ Jesus.” According to Paul, all humanity is either in Adam (our natural state before salvation) or in Christ (our new state after salvation).
We are born “in Adam,” which means there was a time we were not “in Christ.” Paul makes this clear in 1 Corinthians 15:22: “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” This is why Jesus says we must be born again (John 3:3). Salvation places us in Christ (also stated in Philippians 3:9; Ephesians 3:6, 2 Corinthians 5:21).
Paul even acknowledges his own transition, noting that others “were in Christ before me” (Romans 16:7).
2 Corinthians 5:17 further shows that being “in Christ” is a conditional reality: “Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature…”
In context to this book, Paul says the Gentiles were not in Christ but now are:
Ephesians 2:11 we were “in the flesh” and
Ephesians 2:12 “at that time ye were without Christ”.
Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus”
2Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
We must first experience the grace (free gift Romans 5:15, Ephesians 2:8-9) of God to experience the peace of God.
3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
The phrase “in Christ” (and in verse 4, “in Him”) is the qualifying condition for every blessing Paul lists. Yet these two words are often overlooked in mainstream Christian books, sermons, and explanations of this passage. If you remove them, the text sounds as if God selected certain lost individuals to be saved before creation. But when you include them, as the text requires, the meaning changes entirely.
The first three chapters of Ephesians explain the spiritual blessings God has prepared for those who are “in Christ”, those who have believed the gospel. Recognizing this is essential before moving forward.
Notice again that Paul is speaking about post-salvation realities. Where are these blessings found? “In Christ.”
Once united to Him, we receive an inheritance, become co-heirs, will receive a new body, and share in all He has promised (Romans 8:17; Matthew 25:34; 1 Peter 1:3–4; 1 John 3:2; 1 Corinthians 15:48–49; Philippians 3:21).
The phrase “in heavenly places” refers to a present spiritual reality that will one day become a physical one when we are with Him. We’ll explore this further in verse 5 when discussing adoption.
4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Paul lists the first blessing for a believer here, that we will be holy and without blame before him in love.
Misunderstanding “chosen us”
Some interpret “chosen us” as God picking who would be Christians before the foundation of the world, or as foreknowing who would believe. They read it as if it were written “chosen to be in Christ before the foundation of the world.” However, this is not what the text says, the words “to be” or anything similar are not in Scripture.
Instead, Paul clearly describes our past condition:
Ephesians 2:11 we were “in the flesh” and
Ephesians 2:12 “at that time ye were without Christ”.
The word “in” is critical not to overlook. If we were “in Christ” at the foundation of the world, how could we later have been “without Christ” and “in the flesh”? How would God lose someone He supposedly chose before creation? Thus, the interpretation that we were individually chosen for salvation before the foundation of the world does not fit the meaning of this verse nor the context of Paul’s letter.
Who was chosen before the foundation of the world?
Before Christ in our Adamic state we were not “chosen before the foundation of the world”. The only One explicitly chosen before the foundation of the world is Jesus:
1 Peter 1:20 “Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,”
See also: John 17:24 — Jesus alone is said to have been loved by the Father before the foundation of the world. Nowhere does Scripture explicitly apply this language to the elect or to any other human being. The “before the foundation of the world” designation is uniquely Christ-centered.
How do you become chosen “in Him”?
The text says he has “chosen us in him”, so in order to be chosen, you must be in Him. Not one person is born in Him. Paul is clear that by simply believing the gospel we become “in Christ”:
Ephesians 2:13 “but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” (by faith we get the blood Romans 3:25)
Philippians 3:9 “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith”
Ephesians 3:6 ”That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel”
What are we chosen for and when did God determine this?
Once we are in Christ, we are chosen for a destiny, not salvation itself. Paul tells us this destiny is “to be holy and without blame before Him in love.” God determined this would happen “before the foundation of the world” for those who would eventually believe and receive His Son.At the same time, God also planned the following at the same time:
Eternal life
Titus 1:2 “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;”
For both Jews and Gentiles
Ephesians 3:9 “And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:”
As an analogy: imagine a room prepared for next Friday night with free popcorn and a movie. The owner decided long beforehand to offer these gifts. Anyone who enters the room that night is chosen to receive what was prepared. But each person must decide whether to enter. The point is simple: the blessing belongs to those in the room. Likewise, being in Christ is what places us in the position to receive the chosen outcome, holiness and blamelessness before God. Even Paul (Romans 16:7) was not always “in the room.”
We can also see His redemptive plan revealed immediately after creation in the prophetic meanings of the earliest names in Genesis. Together they form the message: “Man appointed mortal sorrow, but the blessed God shall come down teaching that His death shall bring the despairing rest”:
Adam (אָדָם) – Man or Human (Genesis 5:1–2)
Seth (שֵׁת) – Appointed (Genesis 5:3)
Enosh (אֱנוֹשׁ) – Mortal or Man (Genesis 5:6)
Kenan (קֵין) – Sorrow or Acquisition (Genesis 5:9)
Mahalalel (מַהֲלַלְאֵל) – The Blessed God or Praise of God (Genesis 5:12)
Jared (יָרֶד) – Shall come down (Genesis 5:15)
Enoch (חֲנוֹךְ) – Teaching or Dedicated (Genesis 5:18)
Methuselah (מְתוּשֶׁלַח) – His death shall bring (or When he dies, it shall come) (Genesis 5:21)
Lamech (לֶמֶךְ) – Despairing or Powerful (Genesis 5:25)
Noah (נֹחַ) – Rest or Comfort (Genesis 5:28–29)
In John 17:24 Jesus speaking to the Father says “for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world”. This love the Father had for Jesus before the foundation of the world is what the believer gets to join into once saved the “in love” Paul says here in verse 4.
5Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Paul lists another blessing for a believer here that they are destined for adoption.
As we will see, this verse is not about lost people being predestined to be converted. That would be addressing the wrong audience and targeting the wrong purpose. Some interpret this verse as referring to salvation itself, but in doing so, they miss the point and contradict Scripture, which clearly shows that God desires all people to be saved (2 Peter 3:9, 1 Timothy 2:3-4, John 6:40). Rather, as the following discussion will show, it refers to what God has purposed for those who have already believed: the blessings and destiny that He delights to bestow on His children.
Who is Paul’s audience?
Next, we need to establish who the “us” refers to in this passage. Looking back at verse 1, Paul addresses the “saints” and “faithful in Christ Jesus”, that is, believers. This shows that the audience is saved Christians, not the unsaved. As we will see, this further confirms that Paul is not speaking about salvation itself here, but rather about the blessings and destiny already prepared for those who are in Christ.
What does “predestinated us unto the adoption” mean?
Thirdly, the key point is that the Bible speaks of adoption in two senses, and we must recognize this distinction to interpret the verse correctly. Scripture nowhere teaches that “salvation = adoption.” That idea often comes from tradition, songs, or human teaching rather than the biblical use of the term.
On the one hand, we do experience a spiritual adoption at conversion, as John says:
“Now are we the sons of God...” (1 John 3:2).
Yet in the very same verse John also speaks of a future reality yet to come:
“...We shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” (1 John 3:2).
This refers to the actual adoption which includes our glorified bodies and our inheritance blessings we clearly do not possess yet. This is why Paul says we are “predestinated” to adoption: it is the guaranteed future completion of what began when we were saved. We can break it down this way:
Spirit of Adoption
This occurs at salvation. Believers are already adopted as children of God through faith in Christ. This adoption is spiritual: we receive the Spirit of adoption, who seals us and guarantees our future (Eph 1:13-14), final adoption and inheritance. Because of this present reality, believers can now cry, “Abba, Father.” Spiritually, we are already God’s sons and daughters and heirs.
Romans 8:15-16 “...ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:” See also Galatians 4:5-6.
Adoption (full, future realization)
Paul is saying that while believers already experience spiritual adoption, we await the full consummation of “the adoption” when our bodies are redeemed and glorified. This is a future reality, the complete realization of our adoption, where our bodies will be fully transformed to match our spiritual status as children of God.
Notice he uses the same language “the adoption” as here in Ephesians 1:5 and it is speaking of the body to come: Romans 8:23 “...even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.” See also Romans 8:19.
In the ancient world, adoption was a legal act granting full heir status, including inheritance. Similarly, we will receive glorified bodies and inheritance as part of our future adoption.
Therefore, the word “predestinated” here does not refer to conversion or God choosing certain people for salvation. Instead, it refers to a future destiny for already saved believers. The word itself helps illuminate this truth: God determined long ago, pre (before) + destined (appointed) that those who are “in Christ” are divinely appointed to be transformed into the likeness of Christ on the day of His appearing.
In Romans 8:29 we read “he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son”.
Then in 1 John 3:2 “...and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him...”
And also in 1 Corinthians 15:52 “...and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”
This is all part of the adoption to come (Romans 8:23). Believers will be fully adopted in heaven, with glorified bodies, conformed to the image of His Son. See also 1 Corinthians 15:48-49, Philippians 3:21.
Think of modern adoption: a child may legally become yours before actually living in your home. This mirrors the Spirit of Adoption, which makes believers God’s children now. The child’s arrival represents the final stage of adoption, when we will see Jesus, receive glorified bodies, and fully experience our inheritance as God’s children.
What is His good pleasure of His will?
We know that God’s will is for all men to be saved; therefore His “good pleasure” here refers to what He has lovingly prepared to give to those who believe. Jesus uses this same phrase in Luke 12:32:
“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
God delights to give, not out of obligation, but out of His self-giving, selfless love. As Scripture says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” This same truth appears again in Matthew 25:34, where Jesus says:
“Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”
Here the two themes converge:
God’s good pleasure in preparing the kingdom, and
the believer’s future inheritance of that kingdom.
Although believers are already children of God now and heirs, we still wait for the adoption in its fullness, the redemption of our body (Romans 8:23) and our inheritance (Romans 8:15–17, Galatians 4:4–7). The Father’s good pleasure is to give us, in Christ, everything that belongs to His Son. God’s determination is that all who are “in Christ” will be transformed into the image and likeness of Christ at His appearing.
Below is a list of the things Scripture says believers are predestined or promised to receive, each one a future blessing:
We will rise from the dead like Jesus: 1 Corinthians 15:20-23
We are heirs now but await our full inheritance: Romans 8:17, Ephesians 1:13–14, Romans 8:23
We will reign with Him: 2 Timothy 2:11-12, Revelation 20:4, 6
We will receive the inheritance reserved for us: Colossians 3:24, Matthew 25:34, 1 Peter 1:3-4
We will be conformed to the image of Jesus: 1 John 3:2, 1 Corinthians 15:48-49, Philippians 3:21, Romans 8:29
In summary, God gladly adopts us into His family, promises us new bodies, and makes us co-heirs with His Son, sharing with us all that belongs to Christ.
6To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
7In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
8Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
9Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
Who is the “us” here?
Paul tells us in Ephesians 3:3,5 “he made known unto me the mystery” and “it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit”.
This “us” is referring to Paul, the apostles and prophets not the Ephesians.
This “mystery of His will” refers to God’s previously hidden plan to send His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for sinners and provide salvation to all mankind, including the Gentiles. This was a truth not fully revealed or understood in the Old Testament, and it was something the Jewish people did not foresee: that Gentiles would become fellow-heirs and part of the same body in Christ.
Ephesians 3:4-6 “Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ, Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel.”
Colossians 1:26-27 “ Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:” See also Ephesians 3:2-4, Ephesians 6:19, 1 Corinthians 2:6-8, Romans 16:25–26
The “good pleasure” of God is His gracious purpose to extend salvation to all people. What was once hidden in former ages is now revealed in Christ: that God, according to His own will and delight, shows mercy to all. Paul explains that this universal offer of salvation flows from God’s own pleasure and purpose, for He “will have all men to be saved” and has concluded all in unbelief “that he might have mercy upon all.”
1 Timothy 2:3-4 “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”
Romans 11:30-32: “For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.”
10That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
Paul is saying here that God waited for a certain time “dispensation of the fulness of times” to bring all things, all people Jews, Gentiles, slaves and free people together in Christ so we are all “in him”.
As 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 says ““For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.””
And Colossians 1:19-20 ““For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.”
11In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
Once again Paul uses the key phrase “in whom.” Those who are in Christ have been appointed to receive a future inheritance. God determined beforehand that all who would be united to Christ would share this destiny, this is why Paul says we are “predestinated.”
In Ephesians 1, Paul highlights two specific blessings God predetermined for the future of all who are believers. The second of these is the one he is referring to here in verse 11:
Adoption - New bodies in the image of Jesus (Ephesians 1:5, 1 John 3:2, Romans 8:23, Romans 8:29)
Inheritance - Sharing in Christ’s kingdom (Ephesians 1:11;1:14, Matthew 25:34, Romans 8:17). This inheritance is guaranteed through the Holy Spirit, who seals believers and confirms their future blessing (Ephesians 1:13–14).
1 Peter 1:4-9 “To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
As already shown in verses 5 and 9, Paul is not talking about God’s “will” in choosing who would be saved, but God’s “will” regarding what He planned to give those who are saved.
The idea of an “inheritance” fits perfectly with Jewish tradition. A child was legally entitled to the father’s inheritance (Deuteronomy 21:15–17; Numbers 27:8–11; Proverbs 13:22). Likewise, those who become God’s children in Christ are appointed to receive what He prepared for them, glorified bodies, the kingdom, and every spiritual blessing in the age to come (e.g., 1 Corinthians 15:48–49; Philippians 3:21; Matthew 25:34; 1 Peter 1:3–4).
12That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
Were the Ephesians the ones who first trusted in Christ? We know this is not the case therefore this “we” is distinctly talking about a different group of people, namely Paul and the apostles (and other Jewish believers). As verse 13 below says “ye also trusted”.
13In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
The “sealed” here in the Greek is Strong's G4972 - sphragizō and it carries a few meanings one of which is “for security: from Satan”. This sealing is a stamp outwardly that we are God’s as a seal but also it is sealing up as you would seal a bottle closed with a lid on it. In ancient times, seals were used to mark documents or possessions as belonging to someone and to indicate that they were genuine and protected.
Paul also says this in 2 Corinthians 1:22 “Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.”
“Sealed” is in the “Aorist” tense in Greek means the action is completed, it is done and it happened at a specific time in the past.
14Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
The word “earnest” here is Strong's G728 - arrabōn and it implies a pledge or guarantee of something that will be fully realized in the future. This is like an engagement ring.
We see this echoed in 2 Corinthians 1:22 “...and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.”
Paul says the same thing again in 2 Corinthians 5:5 “... who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.”
The phrase “until the redemption” indicates that this sealing of the Holy Spirit continues until a future event the redemption of believers. There is no other option here, the guarantee is until one event, redemption. This is ongoing security and assurance for the believer. The Lord doesn’t want us to live in fear (2 Timothy 1:7).
To confirm this he states it again but clearly says how long this seal will last upon us in Ephesians 4:30 “And grieve not thse holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.”
In 1 Corinthians 1:8 Paul also states He is with us until the end “Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Furthermore, this seal cannot be undone by either party. God promises us until the day of redemption and once we believe we are no longer our own, we are bought with a price. No longer our own, we don’t have authority to reverse it. If God bought us, the purchaser then owns us.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.”
Paul has just described the two future blessings believers are predestinated for, adoption (Ephesians 1:5) and inheritance (Ephesians 1:11). He now emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is the guarantee, the down payment, that God will faithfully bring these promises to completion.
In conclusion of verse 13 and 14, the sealing of the Spirit is a one time event that is once and for all until the believer meets the Lord. The sealing is a definitive act that provides assurance of the future fulfillment of salvation. It is understood as a secure mark that guarantees the future inheritance.
15Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
16Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
17That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
18The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
19And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
20Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
21Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
22And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
23Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.