I find the commentary of A. R. Fausset approaches scripture a bit different than most with a focus on the actual words rather than the "big picture" that is often useful, interesting and informative. Here is his commentary on Ephesians 1:3-6
3. The doxologies in almost all the Epistles imply the real sense of grace experienced by the writers and their readers ( 1Pe 1:3 ). Eph 1:3-14 sets forth summarily the Gospel of the grace of God: the FATHER'S work of love, Eph 1:3 (choosing us to holiness, Eph 1:4; to sonship, Eph 1:5; to acceptance, Eph 1:6 ): the SON'S, Eph 1:7 (redemption, Eph 1:7; knowledge of the mystery of His will, Eph 1:9; an inheritance, Eph 1:11 ); the HOLY SPIRIT'S, Eph 1:13 (sealing, Eph 1:13; giving an earnest of the inheritance, Eph 1:14 ).
the God and Father of. . . Christ--and so the God and Father of us who are in Him ( Jhn 20:17 ). God is "the God" of the man Jesus, and "the Father" of the Divine Word. The Greek is, "Blessed us," not "hath blessed us"; referring to the past original counsel of God. As in creation ( Gen 1:22 ) so in redemption ( Gen 12:3 Mat 5:3-11 25:34 ) God "blesses" His children; and that not in mere words, but in acts.
us--all Christians.
blessings--Greek, "blessing." "All," that is, "every possible blessing for time and eternity, which the Spirit has to bestow" (so "spiritual" means; not "spiritual," as the term is now used, as opposed to bodily).
in heavenly places--a phrase five times found in this Epistle, and not elsewhere ( Eph 1:20 Eph 2:6 3:10 6:12 ); Greek, "in the heavenly places." Christ's ascension is the means of introducing us into the heavenly places, which by our sin were barred against us. Compare the change made by Christ ( Col 1:20 Eph 1:20 ). While Christ in the flesh was in the form of a servant, God's people could not realize fully their heavenly privileges as sons. Now "our citizenship (Greek) is in heaven" ( Phl 3:20 ), where our High Priest is ever "blessing" us. Our "treasures" are there ( Mat 6:20, 21 ); our aims and affections ( Col 3:1, 2 ); our hope ( Col 1:5 Tts 2:13 ); our inheritance ( 1Pe 1:4 ). The gift of the Spirit itself, the source of the "spiritual blessing," is by virtue of Jesus having ascended thither ( Eph 4:8 ).
in Christ--the center and source of all blessing to us.
4. hath chosen us--Greek, "chose us out for Himself" (namely, out of the world, Gal 1:4 ): referring to His original choice, spoken of as past.
in him--The repetition of the idea, "in Christ" ( Eph 1:3 ), implies the paramount importance of the truth that it is in Him, and by virtue of union to Him, the Second Adam, the Restorer ordained for us from everlasting, the Head of redeemed humanity, believers have all their blessings ( Eph 3:11 ).
before the foundation of the world--This assumes the eternity of the Son of God ( Jhn 17:5, 24 ), as of the election of believers in Him ( 2Ti 1:9 2Th 2:13 ).
that we should be holy--positively ( Deu 14:2 ).
without blame--negatively ( Eph 5:27 1Th 3:13 ).
before him--It is to Him the believer looks, walking as in His presence, before whom he looks to be accepted in the judgment ( Col 1:22; compare Rev 7:15 ).
in love--joined by BENGEL and others with Eph 1:5, "in love having predestinated us," &c. But English Version is better. The words qualify the whole clause, "that we should be holy. . . before Him." Love, lost to man by the fall, but restored by redemption, is the root and fruit and sum of all holiness ( Eph 5:2 1Th 3:12, 13 ).
5. predestinated--more special in respect to the end and precise means, than "chosen" or elected. We are "chosen" out of the rest of the world; "predestinated" to all things that secure the inheritance for us ( Eph 1:11 Rom 8:29 ). "Foreordained."
by Jesus--Greek, "through Jesus."
to himself--the Father ( Col 1:20 ). ALFORD explains, "adoption. . . into Himself," that is, so that we should be partakers of the divine nature ( 2Pe 1:4 ). LACHMANN reads, "unto Him." The context favors the explanation of CALVIN: God has regard to Himself and the glory of His grace ( Eph 1:6, 12, 14 ) as His ultimate end. He had one only-begotten Son, and He was pleased for His own glory, to choose out of a lost world many to become His adopted sons. Translate, "unto Himself."
the good pleasure of his will--So the Greek ( Mat 11:26 Luk 10:21 ). We cannot go beyond "the good pleasure of His will" in searching into the causes of our salvation, or of any of His works ( Eph 1:9 ). ( Job 33:13.) Why needest thou philosophize about an imaginary world of optimism? Thy concern is to take heed that thou be not bad. There was nothing in us which deserved His love ( Eph 1:1, 9, 11 ) [BENGEL].
6. ( Eph 1:7, 17, 18 ). The end aimed at ( Psa 50:23 ), that is, that the glory of His grace may be praised by all His creatures, men and angels.
wherein--Some of the oldest manuscripts read, "which." Then translate, "which He graciously bestowed on us." But English Version is supported by good manuscripts and the oldest versions.
us accepted--a kindred Greek word to "grace": charitos, echaritosen: translate, "graciously accepted"; "made us subjects of His grace"; "embraced us in the arms of His grace" ( Rom 3:24 5:15 ).
in the beloved--pre-eminently so called ( Mat 3:17 17:5 Jhn 3:35 Col 1:13 ). Greek, "Son of His love." It is only "IN HIS BELOVED" that He loves us ( Eph 1:3 1Jo 4:9, 10 ).
about what it means to be in Him. 