For the Praise of His Glory

“For the Praise of His Glory”

Ephesians 1:11–14 (NIV):

“In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.”

Two powerful verses from the book of Ephesians, written by the Apostle Paul through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

These words are not just theological truths... they’re deeply personal realities meant to give us assurance, identity, and purpose. Paul speaks of being chosen, predestined, and purposed — all within the purview of God greater plan for our lives.

God’s Word says clearly... You & I Were Chosen in Christ.

“In Him we were also chosen…” Of course, this is in the context of the preceding verses of chapter one, especially vss 4-7: “For he (God) chose us in him (Christ) before the creation of the world... (for what?)... to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will– to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.”

Paul is making a statement of identity. In Him—that is, in Christ—we were chosen. This is not a choice we somehow made randomly, or emotionally... nor is it based on our performance, merit or works.

Listen: this chosen identity... is a divine act of love. Pure grace... and nothing less.

Think about it: to be chosen is to be wanted... and to be loved. It’s to be accepted not because of what we’ve done - or haven’t done... but because of what Christ has done. Our calling precedes our faith.

God told Jeremiah, as in the Prophet Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you...”

Think about that! Jeremiah wasn’t even conceived in his mother’s womb, and God had already ordained him a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah had no ability to believe or have faith... he had yet to be formed!

Which simply stresses the fact that our calling precedes our faith. Our faith marks us as believers.

Such a Truth, and reality, should give every one of us, as believers, a profound sense of security. We don’t have to wonder if we belong. In Christ, you were chosen before you ever took your first breath. This truth silences the voices of rejection and comparison and pride and EVEN human decision. God chose us FIRST, and we have simply to receive His gift of eternal life in Christ.

Of course, the same Word of God, also tells us that we’ve been delivered, saved, as part of a Bigger Plan.

“(In Christ you were chosen)…having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.”

Paul zooms out to the macro scale of God’s plan. God is not improvising. Everything—yes, everything—is being worked out according to His will. That includes your life. Your circumstances may feel confusing or chaotic, but they are not outside of God’s control.

Of course, that does not mean everything is good, but it does mean God can work everything for good. Your trials, your waiting, your past—all of it is being used for His eternal purpose. Rest in the sovereignty of God, not in the certainty of your own plans, or strength, or intelligence.

Because God’s Word declares, “Your Life Is for His Glory.”

(In Christ you were chosen... according to the plan of God...) “…in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.”

This is the foundation, the heart of it all: we exist for the praise of His glory. Our lives, our salvation, and our stories are meant to reflect how great God is. That means our purpose is worship—not just with songs, but with our lives. When you live with integrity, forgive generously, serve humbly, and love sacrificially, you bring glory to God.

This changes the way we see life (and success). Our ultimate goal is not comfort, recognition, or wealth—it is to magnify Christ through our lives.

Our scripture today reminds us who, and Whose we are: chosen, purposed, and redeemed for God’s glory. This is not just a theological statement—it’s a foundation to build your life on.

Let’s cling to this Truth from God’s Word. You are not an accident. You were deliberately and purposefully designed by your Creator... and you’ve been chosen in Christ, to be part of His plan, and your life continues to bring honor and glory to God.