Paul assures the Ephesian Christians that they are safe as God’s “lot” and this is true of all Christians. This idea is grounded in Deuteronomy 32:8-9 where the nations are put under the “sons of God” as contrasted to Israel who was God’s portion. Paul’s point is that believers are not under the hostile powers, but are the Lord’s own possession. Because of that we know that we are safe. Paul uses very strong terminology about God’s sovereignty and we need to listen to what God says rather than go to various philosophical objections. What is clear enough from this section is that God has chosen a people for His possession so that our faith and lives would be to the praise of His glory. The glory of God alone is an important sola of the Reformation. We also show how important it is to distinguish between the universal call of the gospel and the effectual call. Both are true because they are taught in the Bible. In 2Timothy 1:9, Paul clearly refers to the effectual call. God’s eternal purpose is publicly revealed and it is also true that all people are called to repent and believe the gospel. The faith of the redeemed will be tested, but the result of this testing will be shown to be to the praise of God’s glory. God brings honor to His own name by graciously saving and working in the lives of His own people.

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