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Ephesians 1:11-12 (JDV)

Ephesians 1:11 In him we have also received an inheritance, because we were predestined according to the plan¹ of the one who achieves² everything in agreement with the purpose³ of his preference,

Ephesians 1:12 so that we who were first to put our hope in Christ might bring praise to his glory.

convergence of divine wills

When we talk about the will of God, it can get a bit confusing. One of the reasons for this is that we are not very specific when we use the term. Sometimes we mean what God prefers – his preference (θέλημα). Sometimes we mean what he has planned to occur – his plan (πρόθεσις). Other times we mean the ultimate purpose (βουλή) for which he has predestined us and planned our destiny.

Paul uses all three words for will in verse 11. His point is that God’s ultimate plan (πρόθεσις) has brought him and his missionary team to that point of time and that place so that they could reach the Ephesians for Christ. What God wants to happen (θέλημα) is for the Ephesians to believe the gospel, so that his ultimate glory that he purposed (βουλή) will occur.

Lord, you have reached us with your gospel, so we know we are part of your plan. Help us to do what you want now, so that our lives bring you glory forever.