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

The strangeness of the words “obtained an inheritance” is obscured by its translation. Literally meaning “to allot” or “to cast lots” seems quite out of context for the predestination of those unto eternal life. In either case the phrase is passive and demonstrates another work that God the Father is doing to us who are in Jesus Christ.

The text comes to a resounding conclusion that God is “He who works through” or “He who displays His work through” all things (Rom 8:28). In all things the glory of God’s work is made manifest by the awesome nature of His own counsel.