Eph. 1:4, 5--Before the foundation of the world we were predestinated
unto the adoption of children. We need to distinguish between the
foreordaining to adoption, and the actual act of adoption which
took place when we believed in Christ. Just as the incarnation was
foreordained, and yet took place in time; and just as the Lamb was
slain from before the foundation of the word, and yet actually only
on Calvary. Why then mention this eternal aspect of adoption? To
exclude works and to show that our salvation had its origin solely
in the grace of God (Rom. 9:11; 11:5, 6). Just as if we should
adopt a child it would be a wholly gracious act on our part.