
Zechariah 9:9 prophesied the Savior’s holy and grand entrance, as humble, just, and bringing salvation. This prophecy’s fulfillment is seen in Mark 11:7-11 concerning Jesus. Isaiah 53:10 described the Christ as bringing salvation.
Long before Jesus came to this earth, the plan for salvation to be available to all was set in place. This biblical truth is explained in Ephesians 1, which discusses the concepts of predestination.
In Ephesians 1:1-4, Paul teaches that all spiritual blessings in heavenly places are found in Jesus Christ. To join in these blessings, one must be in Christ. These blessings are not for those outside of Christ. They are available, but to share in them, one must be in Christ. We have been given all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.
To be in Christ, one must believe that Jesus is the Christ, decide to repent or change their mind and follow Christ, be willing to confess Jesus as the Christ and be baptized into Christ. Acts 2:37-38;41, 8:36-38, Galatians 3:27.
These blessings are given as stated in Ephesians 1:4, because He chose us in Him before the creation of the world. The ‘chosen’ were expected to possess a certain character.
Ephesians 1:4-6
The term ‘should’ is important, signifying conditions or consequences, suggesting that it is not automatic but contingent upon certain conditions being met, impacting the potential outcome of an event.
Keeping this in mind, the conditions for the chosen are: 1) to be holy, 2) to be without blame, and 3) to be in love. These conditions must be met to be in Christ. This is the type of person preordained for you and me to become.
Ephesians 1:5 speaks of predestining us to adoption as children. Consider the literal meaning of adoption, “to raise a child from other biological parents as one’s own, following formal legal procedures.” In the spiritual sense, it is much the same.
John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
Begotten, in this context means that Jesus is the only one who has ever walked the earth as a literal Son of the Father. What the only begotten Son did, presents a unique opportunity for others to become children of the Father, just like to the only begotten. Consider the love and desire of prospective parents who, despite numerous obstacles, seek to adopt a child, to bring them into their family and make them their own. This mirrors what our Heavenly Father has done for us. Think of the great love bestowed upon us: “…while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
GOD’S only begotten Son was crucified so that everyone—‘whosoever’ includes every one of us—who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. This adoption was predestined for us; it was the means chosen by God to reunite humanity back to Himself. The character chosen for us before the world’s foundation, the means of reconciliation, and our adoption into God’s family were all made possible through Jesus Christ. This is the Father demonstrating His love. For mankind to truly be part of God’s family and come into His presence, this reconciliation was necessary. It was the blood of Christ that reconciled sinful man back to God. Col 1:19-22
Praise be to GOD for His foresight and care to preordain a way of redemption for you and me. Be thankful and in awe for the sacrificial love that was required to make it a reality.

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