Ephesians 1:12
That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
Ephesians 1:12 (KJV)
Context
The apostle Paul wrote Ephesians to the church in Ephesus. In this verse he states the purpose of God’s saving work: that believers should bring praise to His glory. The preceding verses describe the spiritual blessings God has given in Christ, and the whole passage forms one long sentence of praise.
Meaning
The phrase “who first trusted in Christ” refers to early believers, likely including Jewish converts, who were among the first to place their hope in Jesus as the Messiah. Their initial trust was the foundation of their relationship with God and set the stage for the discussion of redemption that follows. The verse does not teach that these believers earned salvation by being first to trust; rather, it describes the purpose of those who have trusted. The emphasis is on God’s initiative and glory, not human merit.
The purpose of believers is to bring praise and glory to God. Our lives should reflect the transformative power of the Gospel, leading others to recognize God’s greatness and worship Him. Through faith in Christ, we become part of God’s grand design to display His glory to the world. The believer’s life is thus destined and appointed to live for the praise of His glory.
Biblical connections
The phrase “to the praise of his glory” appears as a refrain in Ephesians 1:6, 12, and 14, highlighting the doxological purpose of salvation. This verse concludes the opening section where Paul outlines the Father’s election, the Son’s redemption, and the Spirit’s sealing, all to the praise of His glory.
Application
To fulfill the purpose outlined in Ephesians 1:12, we can engage in the following actions:
Deepen our relationship with Christ through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers.
Seek opportunities to share the Gospel and testify to God’s transforming power in our lives.
Live with integrity, demonstrating Christ-like character in our interactions with others.
Engage in acts of service and love towards those in need, showing the compassion and grace of God.
Continually praise and worship God, both privately and corporately, as an expression of gratitude for His work in our lives.
Remember, Ephesians 1:12 highlights the purpose for which we have been saved—to bring praise to God’s glory. May we strive to fulfill this purpose and bring honor to Him in all that we do.
Reflection
This verse is a source of assurance and a call to live accordingly. Christians should examine their lives to see if they are indeed living for God’s praise, not their own. This involves both verbal praise and a life that reflects His grace.
