Ephesians 1:5 "Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will..."

The word "predestinated" means to have marked out beforehand. Salvation is definitely a work of the Lord..and because of His great love for each and every one of us, He is eager for us to become part of the family of God. This verse says that he has adopted us as His own children. Through the sacrifice of Jesus, He has brought us into His family..not only that..He has made us heirs along with Jesus. It is an amazing thought to me to be a joint heir with Jesus Christ. We inherit eternal life..spending eternity with God the Father, and Christ Jesus..I could go on and on, just about that.. but for today, I want to focus more on adoption.
Those who have gone through the adoption process could tell you what a large amount of red tape they have dealt with, with an even larger amount of paperwork..and then comes the waiting. It is a very long and tedious process full of ups and downs, but when people that I have known have made it through to the end, and have held that long awaited child in their arms, they would tell you that it was so worth it.
It makes me think of the incredible love that God has for us..that He would CHOOSE us...that He would WANT us.. that He longs to hold us in His arms..that He would BRING us into His family and offer us the same rights and privileges as Christ..amazing! Paul, in this writing, uses the term "adoption" to show how strong our relationship with God is.
It may be difficult in the world today to adopt a child..it is quite a long process...but for anyone who is serious about being a child of God..it is as simple as calling on the name of Jesus..and asking Him to be your Father. Verse 6 finishes out the thought started in verse 5..."To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved." When you are a child of God, you are not only loved, but you are accepted! God receives you, just the way you are.
May you all today, think about the fact that you have been "adopted" into the family of God..and you are ACCEPTED by your wonderful and loving Father.