Ephesians 1:11

In whom also we "We" is not emphatic. The emphasis ("also" or "even") is on the actual attainment, not on the persons attaining. Not only was the "mystery made known to us," but we came in factto share its blessing.

have obtained an inheritance Better, were taken into the inheritance, made part of "the Lord's portion, which is His people" (Deuteronomy 32:9). The Gr. verb occurs here only in N. T. and not at all in LXX. In later Church language the verb was used of ordination, reception among the clergy(clêros, lot; men selected by lot).

predestinated to this admission among the Lord's own. On the word, see note above on Ephesians 1:5.

according to the purpose of him who worketh, &c. The stress is not only upon the sovereignty but upon the effectuality of the Divine purpose. He Who supremely wills, going in His will upon reasons which are indeed of His own, also in fact carries out that will; so that with Him to preordain is infallibly to accomplish. The Gr. verb rendered "worketh" is a compound; lit. "in-worketh." The usage of the verb warns us not to press this, but on the other hand the "in" comes out more often than not in the usage. This suggests the explanation, "worketh in us;" a special reference of Divine power to the process of grace in the soul and the Church. Cp. Philippians 2:13.