In this passage, we read of our Heavenly Father and His loving election. That is, His election of those who were to be redeemed by Christ and sealed by the Holy Spirit. But before the inspired apostle plumbs the theological depths of the covenant, he points us to the right attitude when we consider the Father's election: praise and blessing of the Father of blessing.
Notice that the apostle's attitude is first to bless His Heavenly Father. The contemplation of the covenant is not, and should not be, a merely academic activity. It should prompt in us a response of gratitude and thanksgiving. And the motive for this gratitude, thanksgiving and blessing is because of the blessings that first flow from the heavenly throne. The blessings which we experience from the Father are also said to be all blessings. That means that there is no blessing that is lacking through Jesus Christ, for that is what we read; all blessings flow to us in Christ.
In verse 4, we return to the subject of election and there are three elements given: 1) we are chosen in Him, 2) we are chosen in Christ before time, 3) we are chosen in Christ for a purpose. Being chosen in Him means that the loving election of the Father is not executed outside of the person and work of Christ. If one does not profess faith in Christ, there is no hope of salvation. This has been true since before the layout of the cosmos. As we consistently see, the Father retains and maintains the initiative regarding the salvation of mankind. He purposed within Himself to choose us in His Son before the foundation of the world. The purpose of this election is that we, "should be holy and without blame before Him in love." (I John 3:1)
Lastly, the electing love of the Father is exhibited by our predestination to the adoption of sons. In our natural state, we are true sons of Adam; we are outcasts and we have no claim upon divine mercy. But according to the Father's election, there are some who are predestined to be adopted as sons of the living God by the only begotten Son of God. And once again, we read that the Father maintains the initiative because it is, "according to the good pleasure of His will." What a blessing! It is in proportion to His mercy and love that we experience the adoption. How could it be any other way? "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." - Philippians 2:13
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