also, belongs to the verb and not to tne pronoun im- plied in the form of the verb. The sense is not we also, i. 6. we as well as other; but, ‘we have also obtained an inheritance. We have not only been made par- takers of the knowledge of redemption, but are actually heirs of its blessings.
There are two sentiments with which the mind of the apostle was thoroughly imbued. The one is, a sense of the absolute supremacy of God, and the other a corresponding sense of the dependence of man and the consequent conviction of the entirely gratuitous nature of all the benefits of redemption. To these sentiments he seldom fails to give expression on any fit occasion. In the present instance having said we have in Christ obtained a glorious inheritance, the question suggests itself, Why? His answer is: Having been predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. It is neither by chance nor by our own desert or efforts, that we, and not others, have been thus highly favoured. It has been brought about according to the purpose and by the efficiency of God. What has happened He predetermined should occur; and to his “ working” the event is to be exclusively referred. We are said to be predestinated, κατὰ πρόθεσιν, according to the purpose of God. Inv. 5 the same thing is expressed by saying: ‘We were predestinated according to the good pleasure of his will;’ and in Rom. 8, 28, by say- ing: ‘ We are called according to his purpose.’ Two things are included in these forms of expression.