12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.
Verse 12 defines the Jew’s incorporation “in Christ”; that is, into the church. Both Jews and Gentiles hold equal status before God forever.
12 that
Speaking of our inheritance of holding the same status before God as Jesus holds, we should praise God’s glory in doing this.
we [emphatic, referring to Jews] who first trusted in Christ
The word “we” is emphatic, indicating God placed Jews in the church. Jewish believers (including Paul) who first trusted in Christ should praise God’s glory for His incorporating them into the church.
should be to the praise of His glory.
We praise God’s glory because of our position in Christ. God’s glory is the ultimate purpose of the believer. God deserves full credit for our status of salvation.
PRINCIPLE:
All believers, whether Jew or Gentile, should give God full credit for our status with Him.
APPLICATION:
God’s glory is the ultimate purpose of redemption. If Christians are to live the Christian life properly by glorifying God in their lives, they have to think about God’s attributes and virtues.
One purpose of redemption is that man would be restored to the image of God. One purpose of creation is that we should bear the image of God. Salvation’s goal and the goal of creation merge in redemption.
Is 43:21, This people I have formed for Myself; They shall declare My praise.
