Ephesians 1:5
“Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,”
Predestination often scares many people, but when you look at what it is, there is nothing to avoid. When God talks about us be “predestinated,” He is talking about a plan that He has for everyone who would ever be created. In reality, you could say that everyone was chosen, because God had a plan before they were ever born. Before there was a world, God planned three things for every person. It is their choice whether or not to accept their destiny, but if they accept it they will find a great result. Let me show you the three areas where God has a plan for everyone.
First, God planned that everyone would be saved. It says in the verse above, “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself…” God does not destine some to get saved and some not to get saved, but He planned that everyone would get saved. This is why God says in 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” It is your choice whether or not to accept God’s plan for salvation which is in Jesus Christ alone. Nobody is forced to get saved whether or not they like it; instead, they have the choice as to whether or not they accept God’s plan of salvation.
Second, God planned that you use your inheritance. As children of God, He has an inheritance He gave you. It says in verse 11, “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance…” This inheritance God gives is His power and grace. When you got saved, you inherited the power of God. When you got saved, you inherited access to all the graces in the Scriptures. He did not give you this inheritance to do everything on your own, but He gave them to you so that you would use them as you serve Him.
Third, God planned that you fulfill His purpose. Verse 11 continues to say, “…being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:” In other words, God has a purpose for why He placed you on this Earth, and your job is to fulfill that purpose. Before you were ever born, God had a purpose for you. He will not make you do it, but you will never be happy, nor will you ever reach your potential until you live in God’s purpose for your life.
What is the purpose of God giving us this destined life? He shows us in verse 12 when He says, “That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.” Friend, the whole purpose you are to live the predestined life is so that God receives the praise for what is done through you. You cannot do these things on your own, but you need God to help you fulfill these plans.
Are you living the predestined life that God has for you? Have you been saved? Are you using your inheritance? Are you fulfilling God’s plan for your life? It all comes down to understanding that if you live for yourself, you are missing your destiny. Yield yourself to God and you will find the destiny God has for you, and in that destiny comes the fulfillment in life for which you have been looking.