From Series on Ephesians (1:5)

The Sweetness of Predestination
Eph. 1:5-6

I. Predestination, A Biblical Expression: “everlasting decree, determination in advance, predetermine” (Rom. 8:29-30; Eph. 1:11)

II. Blessing Bestowed: Adoption, “putting into God’s family” (Gal. 4:5-6; Rom. 8:14)
*Proof of:
A. Faith (John 1:12-13; Gal. 3:26) B. Love for Christ (John 8:42) C. Prayer (Rom. 8:15)

III. Ground of Predestination---Good pleasure (1:9; Phil. 2:13; Matt. 11:26; Gal. 1:15; 1 Cor. 1:21) of His will (Dan. 4:35; Eph. 1:9, 11)

IV. Ultimate Goal---Praise (adoration) of the glory (excellence) of His grace (undeserved favor) (6, 12, 14)

Hodge “The design of redemption, therefore, is to exhibit the grace of God in such a conspicuous manner as to fill all hearts with wonder and all lips with praise” Hodge

"But now let us fall down before the majesty of our good God, with acknowledgement of our faults, praying him to acquaint us more and more with them, that we may be brought to true repentance. And let us condemn ourselves and seek to find in our Lord Jesus Christ all that we need, and that not for one day, or for a mere brief moment, but continually and steadfastly to our life’s end. And whatever happens to us, let us always assure ourselves that we have good cause to praise our God, and that even if we are poor and miserable in this world, the happiness of heaven is enough to appease us, to sweeten all our afflictions and sorrows, and to give us such content that we may nevertheless have our mouths open to bless God for showing himself so kindhearted and liberal towards us as even to adopt us as his children, and to show us that the heritage which has been purchased for us by the blood of his only Son is ready for us, and that we cannot miss it, seeing that we go to it with true and invincible constancy of faith. May it please him to grant this grace not only to us but also to all peoples." John Calvin