Eph 1:11-14 What plain truth underlies what Paul says here?
Eph 1:11-14 What plain truth underlies what Paul says here?
The plain truth is, as V13 clearly proves, that the Ephesians got saved as a result of hearing the gospel and believing it, which is the only way scriptures teach that anyone can be saved (CP Mt 24:14; 28:18-20; Mk 13:10; 16:15-16; Luke 24:46-48; Ac 1:8; 10:42-43 with Ro 10:14-17).
Like our study on Eph 1:3-6 also proved, V11 is not teaching that believers are predestinated to salvation by God, but that it is the believer's inheritance in Christ which was predestinated.
It is the plan of redemption, and the Saviour through whom it will be accomplished, the Lord Jesus Christ, that was predestinated by God (CP Gen 3:15; Nu 24:17; Psa 118:22; Isa 9:6-7; 28:16; Mt 1:20-23; Luke 1:26-33; 2:25-28, 24:25-27, 44-48; Jn 1:29, Ro 1:1-6; Eph 3:1-12; 2Ti 1:1, 8-10; 1 Pe 1:18-20; 2:6-8; Rev 13:8).
Immediately upon hearing the gospel and believing it for their salvation, believers are set with God's seal - He gives them the Holy Spirit to assure them of their future resurrection and eternal inheritance in Christ (CP Eph 1:13-14 with Ro 8:23; 2Cor 1:20-22, 5:5; 1Pe 1:5).
See also comments on Ro 10:14-17; 2Cor 1:21-22, 5:5; Eph 1:3-6, 2:8-10 and 1Jn 5:10-13.