The Sovereignty of God in Election — Ephesians 1:3-14

Eph 1:3-14 is one long sentence of praise: God "chose us in him before the foundation of the world," "predestined us for adoption," and works "all things according to the counsel of his will." Election is "to the praise of his glory."

John Calvin — Institutes of the Christian Religion, and Augustine — On Nature and Grace. Karl Barth — Church Dogmatics.

The phrase "the counsel of his will" connects to the potter's freedom in Rom 9:18-21 and to the calling of Rom 8:29-30. Sovereign grace and assured glory are two ends of one purpose.