God’s Ultimate Purpose: An Exposition of Ephesians 1

Description

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones’s God’s Ultimate Purpose offers a detailed exposition of Ephesians 1:1–23, emphasizing God’s sovereign plan for redemption and the believer’s identity in Christ. Originally delivered as sermons, the work reflects his characteristic fusion of doctrinal depth, pastoral insight, and practical application.

Core Themes

Divine Sovereignty and Election: Lloyd-Jones underscores God’s eternal choice of believers “before the foundation of the world” (Eph. 1:4), framing salvation as rooted in God’s unmerited grace rather than human merit. This predestination reflects God’s ultimate purpose to restore harmony in creation under Christ.

Trinitarian Redemption: The Father’s election, the Son’s sacrificial work, and the Spirit’s sealing of believers are intricately connected. Lloyd-Jones highlights the Father’s love in sending Christ, whose blood secures redemption, while the Spirit guarantees the inheritance of believers.

Assurance and Spiritual Blessings: He stresses that believers receive “every spiritual blessing” (Eph. 1:3) in Christ, including adoption, forgiveness, and the indwelling Spirit. These blessings are otherworldly, fostering a focus on eternal realities over temporal comforts.

Holiness and God’s Glory: Election’s purpose is to make believers “holy and blameless” (Eph. 1:4), restoring communion with God. Lloyd-Jones challenges superficial spirituality, urging a transformative experience of God’s holiness and love.

Method and Emphasis
Lloyd-Jones avoids technical exegesis but remains textually sensitive, weaving doctrinal instruction with pastoral exhortation. His focus on revival and the Spirit’s role in assurance reflects a concern for experiential faith. The book’s devotional tone aims to deepen worship, particularly through understanding God’s eternal covenant and the believer’s secure position in Christ.

Key Takeaway: Lloyd-Jones presents Ephesians 1 as a revelation of God’s cosmic plan to unite all things in Christ, urging believers to anchor their identity in divine grace and live in light of their heavenly calling.