A Sermon Outline by John Kennedy
Ephesians 1:5. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.
These words call our attention to the privilege of adoption, to the source from which it flows, and to the channel through which it comes to sinners.
The Grace.
Adoption presupposes that they were not children before. How opposed this is to the notion of a universal Fatherhood and love! This is preached and swallowed. How awful the delusion! Adoption is an act whereby sinners are introduced to the family of God. Introduced by Him who gives a right to all the privileges of children. They are of royal rank and blood; none can be higher.
The Source.
They were predestinated to be the children of God through Christ. He did this because they were the objects of His love. He set this love upon them according to the good pleasure of His will. This doctrine is clearly unfolded at the beginning of the Epistle. This leaves a man no ground of boasting; hence the dislike to it. Man desires to have things in his own hand and will. Their rebellion is against the only hope of sinners.
The Channel.
Christ Jesus is the way to the Father, the truth, and the life. He has opened the way for grace to flow to mankind. This He did according to Galatians 4; they are children of the freewoman. He has the right to give power to become the sons of God. He secures this in the exercise of His princely and priestly power. He gives the Spirit of adoption, so that they may cry, Abba Father. The Spirit of His Son is from His Father, but He is from the Son also.
Application.
Would you be a son? You must submit to the divine method.
1Preached in Dingwall on 10 September 1882.