We Have Obtained

Ephesians 1:11-13 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom you also trusted, after that you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that you believed, you were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise

‘Also we have obtained an inheritance’ – We also have obtained an inheritance along with all the other blessings of Ephesians 1:3-9. We now possess it in Christ by promise but it will not be ours in reality until the end of life of sowing to the Spirit (1:14, 18; 5:5; Matt. 5:5; 19:29; 25:34; 1Cor. 6:9-10; 15:50; Gal. 5:21; Col. 1:12; 3:24; Heb. 6:12; 9:15; 1Pet. 1:4; Rev. 21:7). We only get the earnest or first fruit of it now by the Spirit (1:13-14).

‘The purpose’ This purpose is stated in Ephesians 1:3-5, 12; 2:7, 10; 3:6, 10-11.

‘All things after the counsel of his own will.’ While all things are working, God’s providence is working on behalf of those who love God and who walk obediently according to His purpose.

‘We should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.’ Paul refers here to the early Christians who were the first to put our hope in Christ. ‘Mystery of his will’ – This mystery is that the Gentiles should be partakers of Christ with the Jews without circumcision and observance of the Mosaic rites and ceremonies (3:1-6).

‘Also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation.’ You also trusted in Christ when you heard the gospel (1:12-13).

‘After … believed’ Greek: having believed, or on believing, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit which was promised. All blessings, even the Spirit baptism, come through redemption and atonement (Gal. 3:13-14). How could God give to fallen, rebellious men on any other basis? This confirms beyond doubt the fact of healing in the atonement as well as all the other phases of redemption from the fall. If all results of the curse are removed by the atonement, then this certainly includes healing of sickness, which is one of the major effects of the fall. In this connection, there are specific scriptures that state that by His stripes we were and are healed (Isa. 53:4-5; Matt. 8:17; 1Pet. 2:24). Thus, healing of the body is mentioned in particular as a blessing from the sufferings of Christ. Being wounded for our transgressions and striped for our healing are stated in the same verses (Isa. 53:5; 1Pet. 2:24).

‘Sealed with that holy Spirit of promise’ – Sealed: For security (Matt. 27:66; Rev. 20:3); to hide, as the contents of a letter (Rev. 10:4; 22:10; cp. Deut. 32:34); to confirm or approve by testimony (John 3:33; 6:27; Rom. 15:28); to confirm ownership (1:13; 4:30; 2Cor. 1:22; Rev. 7:3-8). The Holy Spirit of adoption is given to everyone who repents (1:13; 4:30; Rom. 8:9, 14-16; 2Cor. 1:22) and he who has this Spirit has God’s seal that he belongs to the heavenly family.