See on v. 6. On this exalted note ends the remarkable introduction to this epistle. As Paul’s thought ranges from “before the foundation of the world” to “the redemption of the purchased possession,” he sees Christ as the center of it all. Everything is “in him.” Paul presents this idea, not as a theological abstraction, but as a matter of the most practical concern. He is not weaving a philosophy or writing a treatise on the problem of predestination and free will. He sees Christ harmonizing every intellectual and moral problem that men have to face.

 Gr. peripoiēsis, “an acquisition,” “an obtaining,” “a taking possession of.” The word peripoiēsis is translated “peculiar” in 1 Peter 2:9, in the phrase “peculiar people,” literally, “a people for acquisition,” or “a [God-] possessed people.” Some commentators apply Paul’s phrase to the saints as God’s purchased possession, others to the inheritance that the saints acquire (see on Eph. 1:18). The latter view seems to be the one required by the context. The saints look forward to the future possession of which the Holy Spirit is the earnest.

 See on v. 7. Redemption is here thought of as being future, although the believer has already been saved by virtue of his acceptance of Christ. We still await the full liberation from sin and its consequences; there is a glory yet to be revealed.

 Gr. arrabōn (see on 2 Cor. 1:22). The thought of the whole passage is that the Holy Spirit had been promised in God’s Word, and when that Word was believed the Holy Spirit was received and the believers were sealed, that sealing being a further promise of the ultimate fulfillment of all God’s promises to men.

The child of God has the privilege even now of tasting the heavenly joys, and, indeed, he may well question his experience if he does not do so. He may be deeply assured of the resurrection of the body, the return of the Lord, the gift of immortality, and all the eternal realities. The promise is certain, since it is guaranteed by God Himself through the Divine Spirit.