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Beloved and Adopted - More on Ephesians 1:1-14 [6.5]

If you are new to this blog, please start with 1 (Intro) and then continue in order.

Beloved. This word jumped out at me in Ephesians 1:6:

In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses...

This is the only place in the whole book of Ephesians where Beloved is used to refer to Jesus. And right after this Paul states that "we have redemption through his blood". I found it interesting that right after Paul calls him Beloved, because he is loved by his Father, he refers to his death, his sacrifice, his suffering for us that God, our Father, sent him to accomplish. God loved/loves Jesus perfectly, but he still sent him to die for us! And Jesus willingly laid down his life for us! Wow!!!


Adoption

In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.     (from Ephesians 1 ESV)

I was struck by the emphasis here. It would have been enough for Paul to say that we have been adopted by God. But look at all that he adds:
-he did it in love
-he predestined us for adoption
-to himself
-as sons (usually if you are adopted you become that person's child. This just emphasizes it even more!)
-through Jesus Christ
-according to the purpose of his will
-to the praise of his glorious grace
Wow!

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