Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children; having appointed us unto a state of sonship and right to glory. This seems to be more than the former, a greater thing to be the sons of God, and heirs of heaven, than to be holy. By Jesus Christ; as Mediator, and Head of the elect, and the foundation of all spiritual blessings vouchsafed them, and so of this relation into which they are brought, by being united to him. The adopted children come into that state by the intervention of the natural Son. To himself; either:
1. In himself, i.e. looking no farther than to himself for the cause of and motive to his adopting them. Or: 2. To himself, (according to our translation), i.e. to God. Or, rather:
3. For himself (as the Syriac renders it); God would have the honour of having many adopted children that shall all call him Father. According to the good pleasure of his will; his sovereign grace and good will, as the only spring from which predestination issued, God being moved to it by nothing out of himself.