02/05/2012  Adopted in Christ:  Ephesians 1:1-14

In v.4-5 Paul writes, “God chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.” God chose US. We did not choose Him, because we WOULD not and COULD not choose Him. When we become Christians we often talk about “choosing” Christ and “deciding” to become a Christian. But in hindsight we can all look back and see how God brought us to that decision. This is commonly known as the doctrine of “Election.”

While Election is very counter-cultural and is personally difficult for us to accept, Scripture time and time again makes it clear that we choose Christ because He chose us first.  As v.5 says, “God did not adopt us begrudgingly or out of any obligation!  He joyfully chose to adopt us!

James Montgomery Boice points out four benefits to the doctrine of Election:

1. Election Eliminates Boasting – Because my salvation comes as a pure gift, what would I possibly boast about?  I didn’t earn it or do anything to deserve it.  God gave it, I received it.  Therefore, I only boast in the Lord, not myself (Galatians 6:14).
2. Election Leads to Holiness – Election isn’t a “get out of sanctification free” card.  Paul clarifies in v.4 that we were chosen in order to become “holy and blameless in his (God’s) sight.”  If we are looking for loopholes to get out of godliness, then maybe we don’t truly understand the Gospel.
3. Election Gives Assurance – As the hymn writer says, “Prone to wander, Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love.”  We are still sinners who need to wage war against temptation every day; but when we lose those battles, it is comforting beyond belief to know that we are “In Christ” because God Himself put us there, not because we chose it ourselves.
4. Election Encourages Evangelism – It’s not up to us to decide who is and who is not “Elect.”  Therefore, we should be like the farmer in the “Parable of the Sower” who scatters the seed of the Gospel everywhere, telling everyone we can about the hope of salvation through Christ.  Because salvation is the work of God, we can trust that He will use us to bring about saving faith in those He has chosen to adopt. 

Many people struggle with Election, wondering, “How can I be sure I’m elect?!  Maybe I’ve been deceived all this time and I think I’m a Christian but I’m really not!”  I want to assure you, if you are asking that question, then take it as evidence that the Holy Spirit is working in your life.  If you believe the Gospel, trust in Christ, and desire to grow in godliness then you are elect… if you weren’t elect then those things would not be true of you.  However, if you read this and you don’t care whether your elect or not, then may that be a warning to turn your heart towards the Gospel and seek the Lord.

Because of Jesus Christ, our sins are cancelled and we have been forgiven, redeemed, and adopted in Christ.  No longer do we stand condemned by our sin.  We are the beloved sons and daughters of God, destined for glory and awaiting our spiritual inheritance. 

While we await our inheritance, we have received the “sealing of the Holy Spirit.”  A seal does two things: it authenticates and it secures.  What good is a hundred dollar bill that’s missing the seal of the USA?  It’s either a counterfeit or a bill from another country; in either case, it’s unaccepted by our local cashiers.  Likewise, a Christian without evidence of the Holy Spirit (the Fruit of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control) is lacking in authenticity because the Gospel changes us.  The sealing of the Holy Spirit also protects and secures our faith the same way that sealing an envelope finalizes and secures the contents within.  God does not leave us to “figure it out” until He returns, but has graciously sent the Holy Spirit to authenticate and secure our faith while we await our inheritance. 

Hope beyond what you see.  If you are in Christ, you have been adopted and have a glorious inheritance awaiting you.  Cling to Christ, because your adoption doesn’t rest on your ability to earn it.  God chose to adopt you, to redeem you, forgive you.  It was his joy to do so.  May the Holy Spirit continue to authenticate and keep your faith secure and fruitful as you wait for your spiritual inheritance.