“In Him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will.”  Ephesians 1:11
 
This was determined by God’s counsel and foreknowledge:
“This Man, delivered up by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. And God raised Him up again, putting and end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power.”  Acts 2:23-24
 
God’s divine, eternal purpose is in Christ Jesus!  As Ephesians tells us,
“This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Ephesians 3:11
 
Predestined (determined before).  Let us see the words Scripture uses to tell us of predestination, what was determined before the ages:
Purpose:
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”  Romans 8:28
 
Prepare before hand:
“And He did so in order that He might make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory.”  Romans 9:23
 
Foreknowledge:
“For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren; and whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.”  Romans 8:29-30 
 
Ordained (appointed):
“And when the Gentiles hear this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord; and as many as had been ordained to eternal life believed.”  Acts 13:48  (This verse comes when Paul preached on the second Sabbath in Antioch.  Read Paul’s message on the first Sabbath for God’s mighty work of salvation to all who would believe!  Vs. 14-49)
 
Appointed:
“And I asked, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’  And the Lord said to me, ‘Arise and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all things which are appointed for you to do.’”  Acts 22:10  (This is Paul defense before the crowd after he was arrested in Jerusalem.  Read the Acts 21:27-22:15.)
 
Before time began:
This is Paul from prison as a reminder to Timothy.
“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.”  2 Timothy 1:8-9
 
Please read these verses in context for they are a refresher course for all of us.  They are God’s word to us as see Peter admonishing us, 
“But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.”  1 Peter 3:15
 
I close with Ephesians chapter 1, (Read the verses, I will write only a few):
Chosen by the Father, Vs. 3-6,
“Just as He (God) chose us in Him (Jesus) before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.”  Vs. 4-5
 
Redeemed by the Son, Vs. 7-12,
See verse 11 above.
 
Sealed by the Spirit, Vs. 13-14,
“…you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance…”
 
This for all who Believe!  There are no words to express how awesome You are!  But with our whole being Lord God we give you thanks, praise, honor and glory!  Amen