The Spoils for the Overcomer; Sonship and the Household; Not an Intercessor but a Deliverer

We know that oftentimes written or spoken words can bring images to our minds of what is being said. Some people are more visual than others, but when we humans hear certain words, due to cultural usage, we imagine certain things. We have all heard a prophecy from Isaiah regarding Jesus as making intercession for the transgressors, but is that what that verse really says? We also know that we who believe on Jesus as Lord are adopted sons, and that gives us certain rights and responsibilities. We may have a few wrong images regarding who we are and our future glory. How many times have we heard “to the victor goes the spoils”? There may be a share of the spoils that sons are entitled to if they meet the requirement. But not everyone partakes of the booty, only those who fought for it receive it. Our minds may picture something along the lines of pirate treasure (at least my mind does). There may be an interesting perspective that we haven’t considered before as to being part of the family, or being relatives; versus being part of the closer, tighter knit household that Jesus lives in. Again, our minds picture a family as a large group of people all related, but the household is a smaller group. While we as “sons” have an inheritance, the present suffering seems to cast a shadow over our future glory.

We have a verse to look at in Isaiah where we see some contradictions regarding the wording between Greek, Aramaic, Hebrew, and English. After we read this prophecy we will begin to mitigate these misunderstandings, and when we do, we will see a different picture than one we may have in our minds,

Isa 53:12 Therefore will I divide Him a portion with the great [kings and rulers], and He shall divide the spoil with the mighty, because He poured out His life unto death, and [He let Himself] be regarded as a criminal and be numbered with the transgressors; yet He bore [and took away] the sin of many and made intercession [6293] for the transgressors (the rebellious). [Luke 22:37.] AMP

OT:6293 paga` (paw-gah'); a primitive root; to impinge, by accident or violence, or (figuratively) by importunity: KJV - come (betwixt), cause to entreat, fall (upon), make intercession, intercessor, intreat, lay, light [upon], meet (together), pray, reach, run. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

While the Hebrew word is impinge which is “to strike with a sharp collision”, this word somehow got translated intercede. Intercede means to “intervene for the purpose of reconciling differences”. In other words, if someone hit a baseball through a window and the owner of the house gets mad at the batter, the pitcher might step between them and say it was his fault for the purpose of protecting the batter; that is what it is to intercede. Instead, the Hebrew word is denoting “a harsh or violent act” such as the pitcher knocking out the homeowner. The Greek word paradidoomi is closer to permission, such as the pitcher is allowed by the team manager to take responsibility for the window the batter broke. We will look at that shortly.

The Hebrew word paga is used 47 times, but only a few times is it translated “intercession”. In Jeremiah 7 the Greek word is translated “pray”. In Jeremiah 27 the Greek word is translated “carry”, and in Jeremiah 36 the Greek word is translated “suggested”. Why are all these different translated words coming from one Hebrew word? We have a little bit of a problem with the Book of Jeremiah as the Masoretes did a little chopping of this text. There was also contention between the priests of Zadok and the Levites as each had their specific beliefs, and that took a toll on the Book of Jeremiah, rendering missing portions in the Masoretic text and resulting in a generally poor translation. So the Book of Jeremiah is not a good source for understanding in this case, except to say it is clear there is no consistency in this word. It is possible the Latin or English translators did not agree with the Hebrew word and used intercession as a better word. This was done in another section of Isaiah where the Masoretic texts proclaim that a “young woman shall conceive and bare a son”. The Latin and English translators changed that back to a “virgin shall conceive”, which is what the Greek texts say. The change back to “virgin” seems similar to the change we find here with regards to intercessor, or a go between, is closer to the Greek word which means “to give over”. Our imagery with this translation is that Jesus is making intercession as in praying for us all. One Septuagint version translates it this way:

Isa 53:12 Therefore he shall inherit many, and he shall divide the spoils of the mighty; because his soul was delivered to death: and he was numbered among the transgressors; and he bore the sins of many, and was delivered because of their iniquities. http://ecmarsh.com/lxx/Esaias/index.htm

The prophecy is that the coming Messiah would be delivered, or given over, because of the sins of the people. The Aramaic says this:

Isa 53:12 Because of that I shall divide Him between many and to the powerful He shall divide the spoils, in exchange for His casting Himself to death and to be counted among the abominable, and yet He shall carry off the sins of many and deal with the abominable. (Book of Isaiah, Eashaya, translated from the Ancient Aramaic by Victor N Alexander, copyright 2012, pg 145, 23 Sept 2013)

This verse was quoted in part by Luke.

Luke 22:37 For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end. KJV

The last part of this verse is a little clunky, the Aramaic smooths it out.

Luke 22:37 “For I am telling you, that even this that was written about shall be fulfilled, that he will be counted among the outlaws, For everything has been fulfilled in me” (Aramaic New Testament by Victor N Alexander, copyright 2010, p16923 November 2012)

Since Jesus is quoting Isaiah 53:12, we know he is speaking of himself. This is our proof that Jesus is marking himself as Messiah. Jesus is still counted among the outlaws in some circles. Mark notes this as well.

Mark 15:28 And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors. KJV

Let’s look at the Greek AP Polyglot to see what Isaiah 53:12 says. We know that Jesus was counted among the sinners, both specifically on the cross and generally as a liar and false prophet. He was thought of as a sinner or an outlaw. We also know that all things, prophecies and the like, have been and will be fulfilled in Him. The Greek word which appears different in the Hebrew is translated “delivered”, which actually means “delivered”. Instead of “impinge” which suggests “a violent act, intentional or by accident”, the Messiah would be “delivered like a package, or surrendered”. 

Isa 53:12G1223On account of G3778this G1473he G2816shall inherit G4183many; G2532and G3588of the G2478strong ones G3307he will portion out G4661spoils, G446.2because G3860[²was delivered up G1519³unto G2288⁴death G3588 G5590¹his soul]; G1473 G2532and G1722[²among G3588³the G459⁴lawless ones G3049¹he was considered]; G2532and G1473he himself G266[² the sins G4183³of many G399¹bore], G2532and G1223because of G3588 G458their lawless deeds G1473 G3860he was delivered up http://studybible.info/ABP_Strongs/Isaiah%2053

NT:3860 paradidoomi, to give over

1.         properly, to give into the hands (of another)

2.         to give over into (one's) power or use: tini ti, to deliver to one something to keep, use, take care of, manage, Matt 11:27

3.         equivalent to to commit, to commend: Acts 14:26

4.         to deliver verbally: commands, rites, Mark 7:13

5.         to permit, allow: absolutely hotan paradoo or paradoi ho karpos, when the fruit will allow, i. e., when its ripeness permits, Mark 4:29

(from Thayer's Greek Lexicon, Electronic Database. Copyright © 2000, 2003, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

NT:3860 paradidomi (par-ad-id'-o-mee); from NT:3844 and NT:1325; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit: KJV - betray, bring forth, cast, commit, deliver (up), give (over, up), hazard, put in prison, recommend. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

We see this word has nothing to do with Jesus praying/interceding for us sinners. While it is a better word than impinge, it is not quite right. Jesus is a go between, but he was surrendered over instead of knocking out the homeowner or negotiating a solution for the batter.

But there is an even bigger secret hidden in this verse. Our English versions suggest that the Messiah will be given a portion of reward along with some other kings. That is incorrect. The Messiah is not below kings so that those kings will share a portion with Him. No, the Messiah will inherit many strong people and divide the spoils with them. Let’s review this phrase from Isaiah 53:12.

  

Therefore will I divide Him a portion with the great [kings and rulers], KJV

Therefore he shall inherit many, and he shall divide the spoils of the mighty, Septuagint, Brenton.

Because of that I shall divide Him between many and to the powerful He shall divide the spoils, Aramaic, Alexander

On account of this he shall inherit many; and of the strong ones he will portion out spoils, Septuagint, AP Polyglot.

Let’s look at this word strong ones. Someone assumed strong and mighty meant kings and rulers.

2478:

LSJ Gloss: ἰσχυρός strong, mighty

Dodson: ἰσχυρός strong, mighty, powerful strong (originally and generally of physical strength); mighty, powerful, vehement, sure.

Strong's: ἰσχυρός forcible (literally or figuratively) Derivation: from G2479; KJV Usage: boisterous, mighty(-ier), powerful, strong(-er, man), valiant.

G2479

Thayer:

1) strong, mighty
1a) of living beings
1a1) strong either in body or in mind
1a2) of one who has strength of soul to sustain the attacks of Satan, strong and therefore exhibiting many excellences
1b) on inanimate things
1b1) strong, violent, forcibly uttered, firm, sure

I like Thayer’s 1a2; “the strong ones who have the strength of soul to sustain the attacks of satan, strong and therefore exhibiting many excellences”. That is an impressive definition. Didn’t Jesus make us super human potentates? Don’t we have authority over the enemy? We do if we are “sons”.

Again, the Hebrew takes away the Messiah’s future glory as well as our future glory. We read last week how we are known, destined, molded, called, justified and glorified in Him; but not only that, we are given a portion of the spoils. You may picture pirate treasure, but the spoils are probably rewards in ruling and reigning in the Millennial Kingdom. If you wonder about predestination, here is another aspect of something predetermined before Jesus came to earth. The strong ones get some of the spoils. The ones Jesus inherits will be divided a portion of the loot. What that means is that if we are weak, whiney, and barely hold to a confession of faith, we are not strong. If we are ready to sustain any and all attacks of the devil, we are strong.

How do we then recognize who we are in Christ? We first have to know that we are sons, not hired help. We are heirs of His kingdom; notice that Romans tells us that we share in Christ’s inheritance. Again, to the overcomers go the spoils.

Rom 8:15-19 For [the Spirit which] you have now received [is] not a spirit of slavery to put you once more in bondage to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption [the Spirit producing sonship] in [the bliss of] which we cry, Abba (Father)! Father! 16 The Spirit Himself [thus] testifies together with our own spirit, [assuring us] that we are children of God. 17 And if we are [His] children, then we are [His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His inheritance with Him]; only we must share His suffering if we are to share His glory. 18 [But what of that?] For I consider that the sufferings of this present time (this present life) are not worth being compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us and for us and conferred on us! 19 For [even the whole] creation (all nature) waits expectantly and longs earnestly for God's sons to be made known [waits for the revealing, the disclosing of their sonship]. AMP

We must share in sufferings to inherit His glory, but the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us. The prophecy of Isaiah 53:12 tells us that we are the ones who share the spoils, the glory of inheritance. We have to be strong, we have to be mighty, we cannot afford to be weak. Here is some more good news.

Gal 4:4-7 But when the proper time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born subject to [the regulations of] the Law, 5 To purchase the freedom of (to ransom, to redeem, to atone for) those who were subject to the Law, that we might be adopted and have sonship conferred upon us [and be recognized as God's sons]. 6 And because you [really] are [His] sons, God has sent the [Holy] Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, Abba (Father)! Father! 7 Therefore, you are no longer a slave (bond servant) but a son; and if a son, then [it follows that you are] an heir by the aid of God, through Christ.AMP

If we confess Jesus as our Lord and Savior, then we are sons; and he has inherited us. We have the Holy Spirit within us, we are sealed. He will then share a portion of the spoils with the mighty and the strong ones. There are different categories’ of family and households that we have to look at. The reason we should be clear about this is that there are categories that all believers fall into. This choice is ours. This should be an encouragement to become strong.

The first group are “absolute relatives”. They are people all dwelling together. These adopted sons are living under one roof in His household. This word is only used twice in the New Testament, 14 times between Old and New Testament. 

Matt 10:25 It is sufficient for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant or slave like his master. If they have called the Master of the house Beelzebub [master of the dwelling], how much more will they speak evil of those of His household [3615]. [2 Kings 1:2.] AMP

Matt 10:35-36 For I have come to part asunder a man from his father, and a daughter from her mother, and a newly married wife from her mother-in-law —  36 And a man's foes will be they of his own household [3615]. [Mic 7:6.] AMP

NT:3615 oikiakos (oy-kee-ak-os'); from NT:3614; familiar, i.e. (as noun) relatives: KJV - they (them) of (his own) household. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:3614 oikia (oy-kee'-ah); from NT:3624; properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication a family (especially domestics): KJV - home, house (-hold). (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Jesus is telling those people who believe on him that just as he was accused of being demonic, his disciples will be called demonic as well. We also see here that Jesus says he actually came to split up earthly families living under one roof, for the benefit of the greater family. Therefore, not everyone in an earthly family is of the heavenly family.

In the second group we see people who believe the same, they are called relatives or the household. They are adherents or members of the household. This is a general grouping of people. This word is used three times in the New Testament, 20 times between both Old and New Testament.

Gal 6:10 So then, as occasion and opportunity open up to us, let us do good [morally] to all people [not only being useful or profitable to them, but also doing what is for their spiritual good and advantage]. Be mindful to be a blessing, especially to those of the household [3609] of faith [those who belong to God's family with you, the believers]. AMP

Eph 2:19 Therefore you are no longer outsiders (exiles, migrants, and aliens, excluded from the rights of citizens), but you now share citizenship with the saints (God's own people, consecrated and set apart for Himself); and you belong to God's [own] household [3609]. AMP

NT:3609 oikeios (oy-ki'-os); from NT:3624; domestic, i.e. (as noun), a relative, adherent: KJV - (those) of the (his own) house (-hold).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:3624 oikos (oy'-kos); of uncertain affinity; a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication a family (more or less related, literal or figuratively):KJV - home, house (-hold), temple.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Paul was speaking to the Galatian and Ephesian believers here. He was explaining that they/we are now part of this citizenship, we should take care of one another within this nation. While we are to do good to all people, we are to make an extra effort to those who believe on Jesus. This is a large umbrella that covers a lot of people who are in many different levels of spiritual service. Some are weak and some are strong.

The third group is the “family, a group that can be known as a nation or tribe, by lineage”. This is made up of several families. The group idea implies several different clans, or in application to religious groups, several denominations which make up the family in heaven. This word is used 3 times in the New Testament, and 162 times between the Old and New Testament.

Eph 3:15 For Whom every family [3965] in heaven and on earth is named [that Father from Whom all fatherhood takes its title and derives its name]. AMP

NT:3965 patria (pat-ree-ah'); as if feminine of a derivative of NT:3962; paternal descent., i.e. (concretely) a group of families or a whole race (nation): KJV - family, kindred, lineage. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:3962 pater (pat-ayr'); apparently a primary word; a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote): KJV - father, parent.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

This is the broadest group of sons. These people who are in the family change their names to His name. They form a nation under His name. We can look at these three ideas this way. We have those living within the same house as Jesus, disciples who will be accused of being evil just like Jesus was. Then we have the relatives who are at different levels of their spiritual walk and different places in their lives. And lastly we have the family which amounts to many tribes and denominations who are believers on Jesus with His name. 

If we imagine a family reunion, the entire group is the family, the one where the photographer has to stand at a really far distance and up on a ladder just to get everyone in the picture. The second group are the relations, the photographer can move in a bit closer for this picture. The siblings with their children gather here. The last picture is the people living under the same roof as Jesus. Those people were all in the first two pictures, but now this third picture is a picture of the mighty and strong ones, who will endure suffering in strength not weakness. These are the ones said to be crazy, like Jesus, yet these are the victorious ones, the overcomers who Jesus will divide the spoils with.  

It seems strange how a few small word changes can invoke so many images in our minds’ eye. It is clearly better to have the right words creating the right images. Jesus is not standing between heaven and earth praying for us, he was handed over and delivered for us instead. Also, there is treasure for the strong and mighty ones He inherits. Remember in the Book of Revelation, Jesus has a bride who is the “called, chosen, and faithful”? The bride comes out of the body of Christ, and she is a seasoned warrior. At the end of the wedding the bride leaves with the bridegroom and the other attendants go to their own homes. The mighty will share in the spoils with Jesus, the ones who endure suffering, whose souls sustain the attacks of satan. This is the image we want in the forefront of our minds, of ourselves as strong, mighty, fighters, who live in His house. This is how we should see ourselves, this is our destiny if we choose to be strong. 

Predestined and Sealed, Chosen by Lot, Our Destiny of Glorification

We looked at being released by ransom last week, and that Jesus died in place of many people who are perishing. While everyone does indeed die, we have to understand that eternal death is different from leaving the earth and our bodies behind. When Adam sinned, the wording suggests that if he would have eaten from the tree of life that he would have been eternally separated from the presence of Elohim. Since the way to the tree of life was blocked, Adam is not eternally lost. Jesus rectified that for us by giving his life as a ransom instead of many.

Matt 20:28 G5618As G3588the G5207son G3588 G444of man G3756did not G2064come G1247to be served, G235but G1247to serve, G2532and G1325to give G3588 G5590his life G1473 G3083as a ransom G473instead of G4183many. 

Something else we came across was the idea that we have been predestined, and also chosen at random, as well as sealed. Are we all predestined? While we think of being chosen as a hard fast rule, from Yahweh’s perspective it is actually a random choosing. Being sealed has some predetermined pathways for us and that is what we will look at. Jesus himself was sealed.

John 6:27 Stop toiling and doing and producing for the food that perishes and decomposes [in the using], but strive and work and produce rather for the [lasting] food which endures [continually] unto life eternal; the Son of Man will give (furnish) you that, for God the Father has authorized and certified Him and put His seal of endorsement [4972] upon Him. AMP

Let’s check the Aramaic here.

“Do not work for the food that perishes, except [for] the food that [destines] you for eternal Life.* The hand of the Son of Man will give [it to] you. For [upon] this has the Father laced the seal of Allaha.”

*Lit. Ar. Idiomatic expression: “…that fastens [you] to Lives [to the end] of the universe.” (Aramaic New Testament, Victor N. Alexander, p191, Nov 2012)

The Aramaic brings another dimension to this seal, it is laced. This is in the idea of a head band or arm band, the same as people wear in the Middle East today. This is also similar to the idea of the mark of the beast, which is a head band or an arm band. 

NT:4972 sphragizo (sfrag-id'-zo); from NT:4973; to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication, to keep secret, to attest: KJV - (set a, set to) seal up, stop. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

John the Baptist gives an answer to some of his disciples when asked about Jesus baptizing people. He tells them whoever receives Jesus’ testimony is sealed.

John 3:33 He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal [4972] that God is true. KJV

Paul gives us a little more information regarding this seal.

2 Cor 1:21-22 But it is God Who confirms and makes us steadfast and establishes us [in joint fellowship] with you in Christ, and has consecrated and anointed us [enduing us with the gifts of the Holy Spirit]; 22 [He has also appropriated and acknowledged us as His by] putting His seal [4972] upon us and giving us His [Holy] Spirit in our hearts as the security deposit and guarantee [of the fulfillment of His promise]. AMP

The seal of endorsement of a disciple is the security deposit of the Holy Spirit in the heart of that person. People may have the Holy Spirit in their hearts but never utilize the gifts of the Spirit. That is common in many denominations. However, Paul did not visit people on his own strength, preforming miracles of his own ability, he traveled from place to place in the power of the Holy Spirit, performing miracles via the ability of the Spirit working through him. Therefore since the Holy Spirit is deposited for security in our hearts we should endeavor not to grieve the Holy Spirit.

Eph 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed [4972] unto the day of redemption [ransoming]. KJV

On the day of ransoming, the release by ransom, we won’t be able to grieve the Holy Spirit any longer. Understand, we are hostages here on earth, and once our ransom has been paid we will enter into the time of watching the seals being opened. It is kind of an interesting point, the sealed humans are watching Jesus the Lamb opening the seals. That is why we are sealed, for the day of ransoming. But now we want to look at this idea of being predestined for the day of ransoming. In our minds it seems like being predestined means we have no choice in life, as if no matter what we do we are going to the day of redemption whether we like it or not. This is the Calvinist and Armenian debate. Maybe it is not “either or”, but “both and”.

The idea of predestination rubs us the wrong way because we know that we have freewill and freedom to make choices. Some would say that Yahweh has the foreknowledge as to whether one will make the decision to receive his words or not, therefore he knows those who will be sealed. Some then speculate that on earth, from our vantage point, we don’t know who is sealed or not. However, that is not true as Paul just pointed out that disciples are sealed with the Holy Spirit so don’t do stupid things that grieve the Holy Spirit. In Acts 4 the disciples prayed for God to do what He determined to be done; the word determined is “predestined”.

Acts 4:28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined [4309] before to be done. KJV

Our modern texts translate this correctly.

Acts 4:28 To carry out all that Your hand and Your will and purpose had predestined (predetermined) should occur.  AMP

Predestined will and purpose does not mean a maze with high walls that we all have to walk through, but generally speaking doesn’t Yahweh want all men to be saved? Isn’t it Yahweh’s will not to see anyone perish? We know that Jesus spoke prophetically to the disciples in telling them what would transpire, such as the decimation of Jerusalem and the temple; that is foreknowledge, knowledge known ahead of time. While it is not Yahweh’s will for his people to suffer, the elohim of evil, the god of this world is all for human suffering. Let’s look at predestination from a few sources.

NT:4309 proorizo (pro-or-id'-zo); from NT:4253 and NT:3724; to limit in advance, i.e. (figuratively) predetermine: KJV - determine before, ordain, predestinate.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

4309

LSJ Gloss: προορίζω to determine beforehand, to predetermine, pre-ordain

Dodson: προορίζω I foreordain, predetermine I foreordain, predetermine, mark out beforehand.

G4253 G3724

Thayer:

1) to predetermine, decide beforehand
2) in the NT of God decreeing from eternity
3) to foreordain, appoint beforehand

Paul gives us some further clues in Romans.

Rom 8:29-30 For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was aware and loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren. 30 And those whom He thus foreordained, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified (acquitted, made righteous, putting them into right standing with Himself). And those whom He justified, He also glorified [raising them to a heavenly dignity and condition or state of being].  AMP

Paul uses the word foreknew, which is pro-ginosko in the Greek, “before knowledge”. This word is interesting as Luke records it in Paul’s speech in Acts 26 in regards to himself, that people knew Paul before his conversion on the road to Damascus. People knew Paul as a Pharisee, then Paul changed. Therefore, foreknowledge is not only understood before the foundation of the world (as all humans are known), but also understood as before your own salvation. Think of it this way, Yahweh knows all humans before anyone receives the seal of the Holy Spirit. He knows all humans who have ever and will ever live. And he knows us all before anyone is saved.

Yahweh predestined “us”, as in those he knew before salvation, as well as before the beginning of the world, to be molded into the image of Jesus. Remember how we saw Jesus was first sealed, then those who receive his testimony are sealed with the Holy Spirit? Yahweh knows all humans, he also knows us all before and after salvation. Those who receive Jesus as Lord, he predetermined for them to be molded into the image and inner likeness of Jesus. The words from the beginning does not appear in any text, but our modern translators thought “predestined” needed a qualifier as to “when”. Their opinion was that some humans are predestined from the beginning. Instead however it is predetermined that those humans who receive Jesus as Lord would be molded into His image as we will see shortly. That does not mean that one person versus another were predestined, but the plan of conforming us saved humans into Jesus’ image was predetermined and foreordained. The plan was the predetermination, the conforming of the saved is predestination.  

Yahweh knew humans before they were saved, and those who then received Jesus’ testimony, would be fashioned into His image. Image is a broad word, not only are people molded into Jesus’ moral image, but people are molded into his divine spiritual image. People who once were completely lost by the fall, who Yahweh knew from the beginning of creation, now have the opportunity to be molded. This is why the Arminian/Calvinist debate is and both, not either or. Yahweh knows us, he also knows who will receive Jesus’ testimony and be sealed. But we are not necessarily on a preset path; one can run screaming away from salvation and upon death the choice you made is the one that sticks. Jesus is the first born of this group, the group of the sealed.

Then the next step in logical progression that Paul is communicating is that the predestined ones are “called”.  Called means “summoned”. Once someone has been made part of the conformed group they are called. We usually think of people being called first, then saved, but here Paul notes that people are preordained for conformity into Jesus’ likeness, then summoned. We know from Jesus and John that people are called, chosen, and faithful (Those usages of chosen are a derivative of this word, #1588). If we go through the logical process, people are known before salvation, then those who receive salvation are sealed and predestined into being molded into Jesus’ image, they are then called to be justified and glorified. Then people come out of that group being chosen and then faithful. The called, chosen, and faithful are those who come back with Jesus to fight the beast. Yet as the story of the sower reveals, we are able to walk away from the Lord at any point along the way.

We see that Paul is giving us a logical order to the process that we humans go through in salvation. We also see the “and both” of the Christian debate, are all predestined? Are all free to choose? Are all called or are only some called? Yes he knows us all from before the foundations of the world, and yes he knows us from before we received Jesus as Lord. The plan of conformity was predetermined for all, then the conformed are summoned, justified and glorified.

Here is a huge idea. The mystery was concealed. The predetermined molding of our glory was hidden. This was a plan before the eons.

1 Cor 2:7-8 But rather what we are setting forth is a wisdom of God once hidden [from the human understanding] and now revealed to us by God — [that wisdom] which God devised and decreed before the ages for our glorification [to lift us into the glory of His presence]. 8 None of the rulers of this age or world perceived and recognized and understood this, for if they had, they would never have crucified the Lord of glory. AMP

Before Adam was created, before satan stole Adam’s rulership, before the earth was fashioned with light and plants and animals, the hidden mystery was preordained that humans would be glorified. After the stealing of earth’s rulership from Adam, the only way for humans to be glorified was for them to receive Jesus’ testimony and be sealed. If the rulers of this age knew that the plan for human glorification was in place before their age of rulership, they never would have crucified Jesus. It was a secret that humans were to be glorified. Humans were already the best looking beings on earth, being made in the image of the Elohim. All humanity has the potential to be glorified above satan and his associates. All humanity has the potential to be adopted.

Eph 1:4-5 According as he hath chosen [1586] us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, KJV

1586:

Dodson: ἐκλέγομαι I choose, elect I pick out for myself, choose, elect, select.

Strong's: ἐκλέγομαι to select Derivation: middle voice from G1537 and G3004(in its primary sense);  KJV Usage: make choice, choose (out), chosen.

We have to ask the question who the “us” is that Paul is talking about. Is Paul using “us” to speak to Jews? Is the “us” in reference to Christians? Is the “us” in reference to Humans? The “us” is not specific to a particular religious party, the “us” is in reference to all who believe, but more so to all, as this was the plan for all humanity until satan derailed it for six thousand years. All humans were made in the image of the Elohim, all humans were to have a personal relationship with Yahweh, all humans had to be rescued by Jesus’ blood.

The word chosen here is slightly different than the word chosen later in this section. Yahweh chose humanity, generally, and chose the saved, specifically, before the laying down of the world. That those who believe would be holy and without blame, justified, because he predestined believers to be adopted. He determined from the creation of the world that this race made in the image of the Elohim would be embraced as children. Just to point out the obvious, satan may have once been a son of the Elohim, demons are not adopted, aliens are not adopted, and today only those who are human are adopted. While there are other sons of the Elohim, humans were to be an addition to that family. We know that satan thought he was pretty spectacular and was lifted up with pride. We also know he did not want to bow to Adam. The plan was to add additional sons into the family, those who would be made in the image of the Elohim, through Jesus. When satan took over rulership, a savior had to come. That is the purpose of this administration, to add children to the family. Adding children to the family was predestined according to his purpose.

Eph 1:11-12 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. KJV

Eph 1:10G1519for G3622administration G3588of the G4138fullness G3588of the G2540times, G346recapitulating G3588 G3956all things G1722in G3588the G5547Christ, G3588the things G1722in G3588the G3772heavens, G2532and G3588the things G1722on G3588the G1093earth, G1722in G1473himself.

Let’s break this down further. Recapitulating is the re-stating of creation back to its proper order, or putting all things under Christ once again. What does that mean? It means that at the end of the age, all things will go back to being under Christ. They were under Christ, then satan messed things up, and now at the end of the age the ransom He paid for His children puts everything back under His authority.

The word chosen below in verse 11 is “chosen by lot”. Like the rolling of dice, it is random who was being predestined into the mold of Christ.

 Eph 1:11G1722In G3739whom G2532also G2820we were chosen by lot, G4309being predefined G2596according to G4286the intention G3588of the one G3588[²all things G3956 G1754¹operating] G2596according to G3588theG1012counsel G3588 G2307of his will,G1473 

2820

Bottom of Form

LSJ Gloss: κληρόω to appoint

Dodson: κληρόω I make a heritage I cast lots, choose by lot, assign by lot, assign a portion, receive a share.

Strong's: κληρόω to allot, i.e. (figuratively) to assign (a privilege)
Derivation: from G2819; KJV Usage: obtain an inheritance.

G2819

Thayer:

1) to cast lots, determine by lot
2) to choose by lot
3) to allot, assign by lot
3a) on to another as a possession
4) in NT: to make a lot, i.e. a heritage, private possession

This means that the ones who will be conformed will be somewhat random. While there probably isn’t a dice game going on in the heavens to decide sonship, the randomness is probably in those who believe and those who do not. This word is used seven times between the Old and New Testaments, but only one of those usages appears in the New Testament which is here in Ephesians.

Next, we see our word predestined. Whoever the random group of believers turns out to be, they are predestined to be on public display. The word intention is slightly awkward. This is a predestination of predetermination of deliberate determination.

4286

LSJ Gloss: πρόθεσις a placing in public

Dodson: πρόθεσις the show-bread, predetermination a setting forth, the show-bread; predetermination, purpose.

1012

LSJ Gloss: βουλή will, determination

Dodson: βουλή counsel, deliberate wisdom counsel, deliberate wisdom, decree.

Strong's: βουλή volition, i.e. (objectively) advice, or (by implication) purpose
Derivation: from G1014; KJV Usage: + advise, counsel, will.

The idea for predestination/predetermination being used three times is the creative way Paul was trying to get a specific point across. While the translations are technically correct, the predestination of those who were chosen by lot (random choice as to who believes on Jesus) was to a predetermined purpose and determined intent. The predestined intent for humanity was to adopt children. The message is sent out and people can decide for themselves, that is from Yahweh’s vantage point a casting of lots. No one is forced, no one coerced, and no one is put on a path that they have no control over. Those who randomly choose to receive Jesus’ testimony are sealed, molded, called, justified, glorified, and adopted. It probably would have been a simpler process to become adopted sons if satan hadn’t attempted to eternally damn humanity. Again, the ones who accept Jesus as Lord are randomly chosen from among all humanity. They are predestined according to a predetermined purpose according to His determined will to be in the high praise of His glory.  

Eph 1:12G1519for G3588 G1510.1us to be G1473 G1519in G1868high praise G3588 G1391of his glory, G1473 G3588of the ones G4276hoping earlier G1722in G3588the G5547Christ.

High praise means approval or commendation. We are in the approval of His glory; we who are hoping in the Messiah, because we heard the good news of our deliverance.

Eph 1:13-14 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed [4972] with that holy Spirit of promise,14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. KJV

Eph 1:13G1722In G3739whom G2532also G1473you, G191having heard G3588the G3056word G3588of the G225truth G3588the G2098good news G3588 G4991of your deliverance --G1473 G1722in G3739whom G2532also G4100having trusted, G4972you were sealed G3588by the G4151spirit G3588of the G1860promise G3588in theG39holy;

Eph 1:14G3739who G1510.2.3is G728the deposit G3588 G2817of our inheritance, G1473 G1519in G629a release by ransom G3588of the G4047procurement G1519in G1868high praise G3588 G1391of his glory. G1473

Because we trusted in the words we heard, we were/are sealed by the Holy Spirit and have the promise of deliverance. The Holy Spirit is a deposit of our inheritance as sons, once the day comes when we are released by ransom. We have been procured, or preserved and kept safe in the approval or commendation of His glory. We are the purchased sons and daughters, who it was determined before the ages to be conformed into Christs’ likeness, and to be on display like the shew bread, to the will of Yahweh. It is the rolling of the dice of the good news to see who will believe, but to those who do, it is preordained to be adopted. Yahweh chose all of humanity to be sons before the ages and if the devil would have known the glory we would receive he would not have killed Jesus. The predetermining of what humans would receive once they believe is predestination. Once the choice is made to believe the testimony of Jesus, we are sealed, fashioned, justified, glorified, and we await the day of ransoming. That is what is predestined. Humans are not predestined individually but collectively, as a group, are given the opportunity to become adopted children. And like casting lots, rolling dice, or drawing straws, the humans who choose to believe Jesus’ testimony, are to Yahweh, a random choice. Everyone is made the offer, but who will take it? Then the path of sonship is predetermined.  

Going back to Matthew where we saw that Jesus’ blood was the ransom instead of many humans’ blood. There is a predetermined number of humans coming into adoption. We looked at the idea that that number very well may have been satan’s number of “humans to be eternally lost, becoming satan’s sons”; but Jesus turned the tables when he took back the keys to hell and death. Now we are waiting for the full measure of the Goyim to enter in, before we are all released by ransom on the day of ransoming. First, we who believe are sealed and predestined to be molded like Jesus, then we are summoned. Next we are justified and glorified. We then receive the high praises of His glory

Clearly, there are aspects of predestination and aspects of randomness concerning humans and their adoption as children. None of us are controlled to a particular destiny as far as saved or unsaved. We all have the choice. Once the choice is made to salvation, the predestined path to adoption, including being fashioned like Jesus, called, justified and glorified is a foreordained roadway. We don’t get to choose to be justified but not glorified, nor do we get to choose to be glorified but not conformed into Jesus’ likeness. That is what is predestined. The initial choice as to whether to believe on Jesus or not is given to all humans, and it is like a roll of the dice as to who will accept the offer and who will not. Yahweh may know ahead of time who will accept but it is not because he is forcing, coercing, or placing us on a preset path of salvation, we have to accept the words of Jesus’ testimony. Once we do, we are set for the day he comes to ransom us. But in the meantime the saved are on a path for human glorification, and since the devil didn’t know about the plans made for humans before this age began, he could not stop humans from receiving the high praise of His glory. That is the destiny of the saved.