11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
God Has a Plan
Ephesians 1:11 says that believers have “obtained an inheritance.” An inheritance is something given to you as part of a family, not just when a family member dies. Think of the prodigal son in Luke 15:12 who received his inheritance while the father was still living.
When you were born again by faith in Christ, you were adopted into the family of God. You received a spiritual inheritance — ‘all spiritual blessings’ (v. 3). Because we belong to Christ, we have forgiveness, redemption, grace, understanding, and a relationship with God.
When you were born again by faith in Christ, you were adopted into the family of God. You received a spiritual inheritance — ‘all spiritual blessings’ (v. 3). Because we belong to Christ, we have forgiveness, redemption, grace, understanding, and a relationship with God.
Verse 11 also says that God “worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.” That means that sometimes we feel life is confusing, and the world doesn't make sense. And things don't always happen the way we want. But this verse reminds us that even when we don't understand what's happening, God is still in control. Nothing surprises Him, and God has not lost control of what feels difficult right now.
Living for His Praise
Verse 12 says, “That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.” The Christian life is not about drawing attention to ourselves, but about reflecting the Lord’s grace, faithfulness, and mercy. Often this happens in ordinary ways — through our patience during difficult times, quiet faithfulness without making a show of it, being honest in your communications, or a calm trust when circumstances feel uncertain.
People around us may never read Scripture for themselves, but they do notice how believers respond when life becomes difficult. A steady confidence in the Lord can sometimes cause others to wonder where that peace comes from.
Our inheritance is secure because Christ is secure. And because of that, we can live with hope even in uncertain days.
