Ephesians 1:12
That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
Study Note
Study Note
The phrase 'that we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ' identifies the ultimate purpose of election ('first trusted' likely referring to Jewish believers who accepted the Messiah before Gentile conversion) as doxological: human beings as creatures are reconstituted as instruments of divine praise. The three-fold repetition of 'to the praise of his glory' (vv. 6, 12, 14) structures the entire passage as a liturgical triplet, each member corresponding to a person of the Trinity: the Father's election (v. 6), the Son's redemption (v. 12), the Spirit's sealing (v. 14). The verse grounds the Christian life not in self-improvement or even service but in doxological existence — being the praise-expression of God's glory. This theology of glory-as-purpose has shaped Reformed anthropology and the Westminster Catechism's famous opening answer.
Other Translations
to the end that we should be unto the praise of his glory, we who had before hoped in Christ:
for our being to the praise of His glory, <FI>even<Fi> those who did first hope in the Christ,
So that his glory might have praise through us who first had hope in Christ:
Cross References
In the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.
I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That …
He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait …
Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: …
And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers …
Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment.
Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and …
And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; …
Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your …
In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall …