Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good
pleasure of his will, Ephesisans 1:5 (KJV)
Introduction — Chosen for a Relationship with the Father
In Ephesians 1:5, the Apostle Paul reveals one of the profound blessings of redemption: God has purposed that believers should become His children through Jesus Christ.
The verse does not merely speak about receiving blessings from God. It speaks about being brought into a new relationship with God Himself.
Paul declares that believers have been predestinated unto adoption, revealing that salvation involves more than forgiveness of sins. Through Jesus Christ, those who were once separated from God are brought into His household and acknowledged as His children.
This divine purpose originates in God's own will and is accomplished through Jesus Christ.
To understand the depth of this revelation, we must examine Ephesians 1:5 in its immediate context.
In Ephesians 1:3, Paul blesses God for the spiritual blessings believers have received in Christ.
In verse 4, he declares that God chose believers in Christ before the foundation of the world, with the purpose that they should be holy and without blame before Him in love.
Then, in verse 5, Paul reveals another dimension of that eternal purpose: adoption into God's family.
The emphasis is not simply upon what believers receive from God, but upon whom they belong to through Jesus Christ.
1. Having Predestinated Us — God's Purpose Before the Foundation of the World
Ephesians 1:5
Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children...
The word predestinated comes from the Greek verb proorizō (προορίζω), Strong's G4309.
It carries the meaning of determining or appointing beforehand.
The word combines the idea of before with that of establishing a boundary or determining an outcome.
Paul uses this word to describe God's purpose concerning those who are in Christ.
What Did God Predestinate?
The verse identifies the intended result:
Adoption as His children through Jesus Christ.
Paul does not present predestination as an isolated doctrine detached from salvation, holiness, or union with Christ.
The surrounding passage connects God's purpose with several spiritual blessings:
Being chosen in Christ (Ephesians 1:4).
Being holy and without blame before God (Ephesians 1:4).
Being adopted through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:5).
Receiving redemption and forgiveness through His blood (Ephesians 1:7).
Obtaining an inheritance in Christ (Ephesians 1:11).
These blessings belong to the larger revelation of God's eternal purpose.
Does Predestination Remove Human Responsibility?
Christians have historically understood the relationship between divine predestination and human response in different ways.
Some understand Ephesians 1:5 as teaching God's sovereign election of particular individuals unto salvation and adoption.
Others emphasize God's predetermined purpose for those who are united to Christ through faith.
Both interpretations seek to account for Paul's teaching concerning God's initiative, grace, and the believer's place in Christ.
What is unmistakable in this passage is that adoption originates in God's gracious purpose and is accomplished through Jesus Christ.
Paul's purpose is to lead believers into praise and thanksgiving for the grace of God.
2. Unto the Adoption of Children — Brought into God's Household
The Greek word translated adoption is huiothesia (υἱοθεσία), Strong's G5206.
It literally carries the sense of placement as a son and refers to receiving the recognized status and privileges of sonship.
In the Roman world, adoption could establish a legally recognized family relationship, including inheritance rights.
Paul uses this familiar concept to explain a profound spiritual reality.
Through Jesus Christ, believers receive the standing of God's children.
Adoption Is More Than Being Accepted
Adoption involves belonging.
A person who is adopted is not merely welcomed as a visitor.
The person receives a recognized place within a family.
Paul applies this imagery to the believer's relationship with God.
Through Christ, believers are no longer strangers to the household of God.
Ephesians 2:19 declares:
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
This reveals a significant change in spiritual standing.
Those who were once alienated from God are brought near through the blood of Jesus Christ.
They become members of His household.
Spiritual Insight — Adoption Establishes Identity
The believer's identity is no longer determined merely by earthly ancestry, nationality, social position, or former condition.
Through Jesus Christ, believers are acknowledged as children of God.
This does not erase their earthly identities, but establishes a new and greater spiritual relationship.
The Father has brought them into His household through His Son.
3. Adoption and the New Birth — Two Distinct but Related Truths
The Scriptures speak both of being born of God and of being adopted as His children.
These truths are closely related, but they emphasize different aspects of salvation.
Born of God — The New Birth
John 1:12–13 declares:
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
The new birth emphasizes spiritual regeneration.
It concerns the new life that comes from God.
Jesus taught Nicodemus in John 3:3 that a person must be born again to see the kingdom of God.
Adopted by God — The Standing of Sonship
Adoption emphasizes the believer's recognized position within God's family.
Through Christ, believers are granted the privileges and inheritance associated with being God's children.
New Birth | Adoption |
|---|
Emphasizes regeneration | Emphasizes family standing |
New spiritual life from God | Recognized status as God's child |
John 3:3–8 | Ephesians 1:5 |
Born of the Spirit | Received into God's family through Christ |
Emphasizes inward renewal | Emphasizes belonging and inheritance |
These are not competing doctrines.
They describe complementary blessings of salvation.
The new birth speaks of the life believers receive from God; adoption speaks of the relationship and standing they receive before the Father through Jesus Christ.
4. By Jesus Christ — The Only Begotten Son Brings Many Children to God
Ephesians 1:5
...by Jesus Christ to himself...
This phrase identifies the means through which adoption is accomplished.
God's purpose is fulfilled through Jesus Christ.
Believers do not become God's adopted children independently of His Son.
Jesus Christ is the mediator through whom they receive this relationship.
Jesus Christ Is the Son by Nature
Jesus is uniquely identified as the Son of God.
John 1:14 describes Him as the only begotten of the Father.
Believers, however, become God's children through grace and adoption.
The distinction is important.
Christ does not become the Son of God through adoption in the way believers do.
He is the eternal Son through whom believers receive adoption.
Galatians 4:4–5 — Redemption and Adoption
But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
Paul connects adoption directly with redemption.
Christ came to redeem those under the law so that they might receive the adoption of sons.
The relationship between redemption and adoption is essential.
Redemption concerns deliverance through Christ's saving work.
Adoption concerns the new family standing granted through that redemption.
God did not merely deliver believers from bondage and leave them without a household.
He brought them into the relationship of children.
Spiritual Insight — From Bondage to Sonship
The believer is not simply released from bondage.
The believer is received into the Father's household.
This is why Paul declares in Galatians 4:7:
Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
Paul's contrast is between bondage and the freedom of sonship, not a denial that believers are also called to serve Christ willingly.
The adopted child belongs to the Father and receives an inheritance through the Son.
5. To Himself — The Father's Desire for Relationship
One of the most meaningful expressions in Ephesians 1:5 is:
"To himself."
God's purpose was not merely to place believers in a religious institution or give them an external title.
His purpose was to bring them into relationship with Himself.
The Father is both the source and the intended destination of adoption.
Through Jesus Christ, believers are brought to God.
First Peter 3:18 declares that Christ suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.
This reveals the relational purpose of redemption.
Sin alienated humanity from God.
Through Christ, reconciliation becomes possible.
Adoption expresses the restored relationship believers enjoy with the Father.
The Spirit of Adoption
Romans 8:15 declares:
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
The word Abba is an Aramaic expression for father.
Paul preserves this intimate family address while also using the Greek word for Father.
Through the Holy Spirit, believers are enabled to approach God as their Father.
This is not a relationship of irreverence or casual familiarity.
It is a relationship of confidence, love, reverence, and belonging.
Romans 8:16 continues:
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
The Spirit bears witness to the believer's identity as God's child.
Spiritual Insight — The Father Is the Greatest Blessing
Adoption is not simply about receiving the Father's possessions.
It is about belonging to the Father Himself.
The inheritance is glorious, but the relationship with God is central.
6. According to the Good Pleasure of His Will — God's Gracious Purpose
Ephesians 1:5
...according to the good pleasure of his will,
The expression good pleasure comes from the Greek word eudokia (εὐδοκία), Strong's G2107.
It refers to good pleasure, favor, or gracious purpose.
Paul emphasizes that God's decision to bring believers into His family arises from His own gracious will.
Adoption Is Not Earned by Human Merit
The believer does not purchase adoption through religious works.
Neither is adoption granted because of earthly status, wealth, or ancestry.
It is a blessing of God's grace in Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 2:8–9 declares:
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Although these verses occur later in the epistle, they reinforce the same emphasis upon divine grace.
God's saving purpose originates in His goodness rather than human achievement.
The Good Pleasure of His Will Is Not Arbitrary Cruelty
The phrase should not be understood as though God acts without wisdom, righteousness, or holiness.
Scripture consistently presents God's will in connection with His holy character.
Ephesians 1:6 immediately directs attention to the praise of the glory of His grace.
The emphasis is upon God's gracious initiative and the glory that belongs to Him.
7. Adoption Includes an Inheritance
The blessing of adoption carries the promise of inheritance.
Romans 8:17 declares:
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
The believer's inheritance is inseparable from union with Christ.
What Is the Inheritance?
Scripture connects the believer's inheritance with several promises:
Eternal life in Jesus Christ (Titus 3:7).
The kingdom prepared by the Father (Matthew 25:34).
The future resurrection and glorification of believers (Romans 8:23).
The inheritance reserved in heaven (1 Peter 1:3–4).
The new creation in which righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13).
This inheritance is not merely earthly wealth or material prosperity.
It concerns the fullness of salvation and eternal fellowship with God.
The Holy Spirit Is the Earnest of Our Inheritance
Ephesians 1:13–14 declares that believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.
The Spirit is described as the earnest of our inheritance.
The Greek word arrabōn conveys the idea of a pledge or guarantee.
God has given His Spirit as the assurance of the inheritance that awaits His redeemed people.
8. Adoption Has a Present Reality and a Future Fulfillment
An important distinction appears when comparing Ephesians 1:5 with Romans 8:23.
Ephesians 1:5 describes believers as predestinated unto adoption.
Romans 8:15 speaks of believers having received the Spirit of adoption.
Yet Romans 8:23 declares:
...even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
How can believers already possess adoption while still waiting for it?
The Present Blessing
Believers already enjoy the standing of God's children through Jesus Christ.
They have received the Spirit of adoption and may call upon God as Father.
The Future Completion
The full manifestation of adoption includes the redemption of the body.
This will occur in connection with the resurrection and glorification of believers.
The present relationship is real, but its final manifestation awaits the completion of God's redemptive purpose.
We are already God's children in Christ, yet we still await the fullness of what that sonship will mean in the resurrection.
First John 3:2 declares:
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
9. Adoption and the Nations — One Household in Christ
Ephesians 1:5 must also be understood within the larger message of Paul's epistle.
In Ephesians 2, Paul explains that Gentiles who were once strangers from the covenants of promise have been brought near through the blood of Christ.
Ephesians 2:13 declares:
But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
Through Jesus Christ, believing Jews and Gentiles are reconciled to God in one body.
The adoption of God's children is not restricted to one earthly nationality or ethnic group.
The gospel is proclaimed to all nations.
One Father, One Household
Ephesians 2:18 declares:
For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
Notice the relationship:
Through Christ — the mediator of reconciliation.
By one Spirit — the Spirit who grants access.
Unto the Father — the One to whom believers are brought.
This corresponds with the language of Ephesians 1:5.
The Father has purposed adoption through Jesus Christ to Himself.
Ephesians 2 reveals that believers from both Jews and Gentiles are brought into one household.
Spiritual Insight — Adoption Transcends Earthly Boundaries
The family of God is not established through physical descent alone.
It is formed through union with Jesus Christ.
Galatians 3:26 declares:
For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
This is why the gospel brings together people from different nations, languages, and backgrounds into one spiritual family.
10. The Difference Between Adoption and Servanthood
Paul uses both the language of servanthood and sonship to describe the believer's relationship with God.
These terms must be understood according to their context.
Servanthood
Servanthood emphasizes obedience, submission, and belonging to the Lord.
Paul frequently identifies himself as a servant of Jesus Christ.
Sonship
Sonship emphasizes relationship, belonging, inheritance, and the privileges of God's family.
Galatians 4:7 contrasts the bondage of the former condition with the freedom of sonship.
The believer is no longer under bondage as an outsider but belongs to the Father's household.
However, becoming God's child does not eliminate the believer's responsibility to serve Him.
Instead, service proceeds from the relationship established through grace.
We do not serve God in order to purchase adoption. We serve Him because we belong to Him through Jesus Christ.
11. Theological Themes in Ephesians 1:5
Theme | Biblical significance |
|---|
Predestination | God's purpose determined beforehand |
Adoption | The believer's standing as God's child |
Jesus Christ | The mediator through whom adoption is received |
The Father | The One who brings believers to Himself |
Divine Grace | Adoption originates in God's gracious will |
Inheritance | God's children are heirs through Christ |
The Holy Spirit | The Spirit bears witness to the believer's sonship |
Future Redemption | Adoption reaches its fullness in the resurrection |
These themes reveal that adoption is not an isolated blessing.
It belongs to the entire work of salvation accomplished through Jesus Christ.
12. Personal Application — Living as Children of God
Ephesians 1:5 calls believers to understand their identity in Christ.
The passage provides a foundation for spiritual confidence, holiness, gratitude, and obedience.
Walk in the Identity of God's Children
The believer's relationship with God is established through Christ.
This identity should shape the way believers approach the Father in prayer, worship, and daily life.
Live in Holiness
Ephesians 1:4 connects God's gracious purpose with holiness.
Adoption is not permission to live contrary to God's commandments.
Those who belong to the Father are called to reflect His character.
Walk in Love
Ephesians 5:1 declares:
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
The following verse calls believers to walk in love, as Christ loved them.
The life of an adopted child should reflect the love of the Father.
Remain Confident in the Promised Inheritance
Earthly circumstances may change.
Believers may experience suffering, persecution, and loss.
Yet their hope rests upon the promises of God in Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:17–18 connects present suffering with future glory.
The inheritance of God's children is not dependent upon favorable earthly circumstances.
Conclusion — Predestinated to Belong to the Father
Ephesians 1:5 reveals the gracious purpose of God to bring believers into His family through Jesus Christ.
Paul's words emphasize divine initiative, adoption, relationship, and the good pleasure of God's will.
The Father purposed adoption.
The Son accomplished the redemption through which adoption is received.
The Holy Spirit bears witness that believers are God's children and guarantees their future inheritance.
Through Christ, believers are no longer strangers to God's household.
They have received the standing of children and the promise of an eternal inheritance.
Yet the fullness of their adoption awaits the resurrection, when their bodies will be redeemed and they will share in the glory of Christ.
The great revelation of Ephesians 1:5 is not simply that God has prepared blessings for His people. It is that He has graciously purposed to bring them into His own family through Jesus Christ.
The purpose originates in the Father, is accomplished through the Son, and is experienced through the Holy Spirit.
And all of it is according to the good pleasure of His will.
Ephesians 1:6 (KJV)
To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
Observation and Reflection Questions
What does Paul mean when he declares that believers have been predestinated unto adoption?
How does adoption differ from the new birth?
Why is Jesus Christ essential to the believer's adoption?
What does the expression "to himself" reveal about God's purpose?
How does the Spirit of adoption change the believer's relationship with the Father?
What inheritance is promised to God's children?
Why does Romans 8:23 describe believers as still waiting for adoption?
How does adoption bring believers from different nations into one household?
What does it mean to live as a child of God?
How does Ephesians 1:5 reveal the grace and good pleasure of God's will?
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