What if we're captives of our own preconceptions?
How should we interpret the "us" and "we" in the context of Paul's letter to the church at Ephesis?
In the highly individualised "west" it seems automatically to refer to "us" as individuals. But in other, more community oriented societies, it would mean "us" as a collective.
So one way of looking at the Ephesians 1:15 would be:
"He predestined all who (individually) chose to become his followers/his church, to be adopted as his children, because that is what he wanted."
put another way, the adoption as children was/is a consequence of (freely) joining the Body of Christ, becoming a believer. John put it: whoever believed in him (Jesus) he gave the right to be called the children of God. (John 1). As far as I know, this is the only recorded RIGHT you have as a believer. It comes with adoption as his children. But it is preconditioned on you believing.
I'm always surprised why so many people have difficulty with free will and predestination. When the Hebrews were moving into Canaan, God told them that they would not have to fight; God would send hornets ahead of them, and make the current residents willing to go. Did God by the power of his MIGHT chuck them out? No! But he made them willing to go. There is a subtle difference.
We know that NO ONE seeks God! No one comes to me, said Jesus, unless the Father draws him. But God also wants everyone to be saved. Even in the OT He says he finds no pleasure in the death of the wicked. The concept in Rev 3, of Jesus standing at the door knocking, waiting to be invited in, is usually presented as an individual, personal, affair, when in fact, according to the context he is speaking to the congregation, as a congregation, at Laodicea.
If God was so loving, that he gave his only Son for us, is there anything else that he would withold from us? asked Paul. No. So whosoever will may come, may respond to God's call, God's initiative; but when you do there are a whole bunch of things, that he has decided a long time ago, that you will get in the bargain ... including the right to be called the children of God ... the adoption as his children. What he has predestined, is what he has determined to give, or to do for, all who freely choose him. He didn't say "I have decided to adopt Monna out of a whole bunch of people (and Monna has no real choice in the matter)" Rather he says, "I have decided that if and when Monna chooses to believe in Jesus as Lord, I will provide forgiveness of sins, reconciliation, membership in His "body," direct access to the Father, ... plus plus plus ... and even adoption as my child. And the same applies to everyone else who believes in me." He has predetermined the contents of the package that we get when we choose to believe and follow him.
I can imagine there will be those who disagree with this way of seeing it. And I can almost guess which Scriptures they will quote. But this, at least for now, gives me a totally satisfying explanation of this apparently "never-ending dilemna."
But remember the starting point too. YOU never ever take the initiative; it is ALWAYS He would draws you. It is entirely up to you to respond. But you will never ever ever be able to say to God ... I deserve the credit, it has happened because of me. (Eph. 2:9)
