VI. The great purpose for which God has chosen and called us is the praise of the glory of His grace (ver. 6).—God has made this display of His grace that unworthy creatures might apply to Him for salvation. We are to praise the glory of God’s grace by a cheerful compliance with the precepts and thankful acceptance of the blessings of the Gospel, by a holy life, and by encouraging others to accept that grace. Believers will, in a more perfect manner, show forth the praise of God’s glorious grace in the future world.—Lathrop.
Vers. 5, 6. The Glory of Divine Grace—
- Is the sublime outcome of the Divine will.—“According to His will” (ver. 5).
- Is a signal display of joyous benevolence.—“According to the good pleasure of His will” (ver. 5).
- Demands profound and grateful recognition.—“To the praise of the glory of His grace” (ver. 6).
Ver. 5. The Adoption of Children by Jesus Christ.—Explain the nature of the privilege.
I. Its greatness.—1. From the Being by whom it is conferred. 2. From the price at which it was procured. 3. From the inheritance which it conveys. 4. From the manner in which it is bestowed. The new birth.
II. Its benefits.—1. The spirit of adoption. 2. Divine care and protection. 3. Divine pity and compassion. 4. Overruling all trials for spiritual good.
III. The evidences of its possession.—1. The image of God. 2. The love of God. 3. The love of the brethren.
IV. Its appropriate duties.—The children of God ought—1. To walk worthy of their high vocation. 2. To be subject to their Father’s will both in doing and in suffering. 3. To be mindful of what they owe to their spiritual kindred. 4. To long for their heavenly home.—G. Brooks.
Ver. 6. The Adopting Love of God.
I. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Beloved of the Father.—From eternity during the preparatory dispensation in the days of His flesh; now; for ever. An ineffable love.