jules

The slavery of the world defining what is important & how to live. The slavery of self defining what is important and how to live. Jesus said " ..my yoke is easy and my burden is light" I understand what He was saying in light of these verses in Ephesians and in light of being redeemed from slavery. My life up to now would probably have been more chaotic, less purposed - standards for conduct and involvement different ... more self seeking. I think a future without redemption would be filled with regret and guilt to the degree of despair and hopelessness and bitterness. Broken relationships and ones not forged because of selfish living. But for the grace of God there go I. Even knowing that I am redeemed it is still a struggle to make choices that reflect a redeemed life especially in the heat of the moment or in the hurriedness of modern living. A life lived to the Glory of God. Answering these questions really puts it in perspective as far as how these beautiful lofty ideas can make a difference in everyday living.

Adoption complements predestination and God's will. You could look at it as an illustration of both of them. Both involve conscious deliberate choice, planning, preparation and anticipation. Even when the adoptee/electee is not a polished gem. Both include all the privelges and responsibilities of being included or involved in the purpose that one is chosen or elected for. The concept of adoption is encouraging because it does represent a new beginning with a new inheritance. It is also a "come as you are" party...God chose me and accepts me with all the "rough edges". That's the best part for me...He loves me anyway!!

To be holy means to be spearated for a certain purpose in this case for God's purpose. I can stand blameless before God only in the sense of being washed clean through Jesus's sacrificial death and subsequent resurrection. See Hebrews 9:11-14

Perhaps this is why predestination is a comfort for us as well...thanks JC for the reminder to us modern day Ephesians!

I don't find predestination scary. I like the idea of having been "decide(d) upon beforehand". I like the idea of someone ( God) planning for me, creating me , electing me and living with me because He wanted to (His will). Some people argue it (predestination) leaves no room for choice but if He chose me than He wouldn't be dictatorial and leave me no choice. There's plenty of choosing left to do on our part..Choose to believe, follow, live for... or not. Predestination just means He had a plan and I am/we are part of it! I don't know why Paul would bring it up except as a comfort to the Gentiles b/c the Israelites/Jews were always considered the "chosen ones" and I think Paul is trying to break down any wall of exclusion ...not leaving any room for the Gentiles to say we don't belong or the reverse for the Isrealites to say you don't belong. Kind of like putting us all on the same side... Perhaps Paul praised God for it in front of the Ephesians so they would also extend the blessing(s) to other Gentiles not of Ephesian background. Also because He was a Jew and wanted them to know He accepted them and was glad God included them in the blessings through Christ Jesus.

It means to me that I am not alone. I am under His protection. Everything I am and do is a part of Him. As for what it means for my life...beyond the obvious answers ( things I should do and say as a result of being in Him) i am left with an overwhelming feeling of my short comings...mostly in the area of remembering what my position is. Remembering every day to align myself to the fact that I belong to Him, that He has an interest in me. I think if I paused long enough at the beginning of my day to remind myself who I belong to.. where I live, than I would have an easier time at accomplishing the how to of living.

Hello Pastor Ralph and fellow students! I am from Michigan and am looking forward to studying Ephesians,one of my favorite books of the Bible. I am a wife and mother of 5 ranging in age from 18 (twins) down to 3. I also work outside of the home. P.S. Eudora, thank you for the beautiful prayer and resulting encouragement!