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Reading text – Ephesians 1:1-7
Ephesians is one of my favorite books of the bible, and continues to be alive to me today, even after the numerous times I’ve read it. I told Susan recently, that I am amazed at the revelation God gives, even after all this time. That is just another testament to the word that is alive, active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, dividing between the soul and the spirit. For the next few entries, I want to share some of the things I’ve learned through my study in Ephesians.
The author of Ephesians is Paul, and he is responsible for starting the church in Ephesus. He tells us approximately 35 times in the 6 chapters of Ephesians, who we are ‘In Christ”. It may say in Him, or In Christ, but Paul’s objective was that the saints in Ephesus would know who they are in Christ. It is important today for us to know who we are “In Him” too. It is easy when there are so many things coming at us today for us to forget all the benefits we have, because of His love that saves us. My identity is in Christ. My identity is not in the sum total of my experiences in life or what I am going through.
My identity is in Christ. My identity is not in the sum total of my experiences in life or what I am going through.
We are blessed with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places. This is past tense – meaning we have already been blessed. My bible italicizes places because it isn’t in the original text. So, we might read that we are blessed in the heavenly ‘realm’ – a spiritual dimension that is only a thin veil away. Christ paid with His life – so that we have everything – right here and right now. What are those blessings? Verse 4 tells us that we are chosen ‘in Him’ before the foundation of the world that we would be holy and without blame before Him in love. This is huge! You are chosen by God, no matter who rejects you. We didn’t choose Him. He first loved us – And not only are your chosen, but you are holy and blameless before God – in the love of Christ by our Heavenly Father.
Not only are we chosen, but we were predestined to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself – according to the good pleasure of His will. So, we need to see God as the good Father – not like our earthly father, who might have been good or not so good. The truth is that our Heavenly Father is only good, all the time and has good in store for each one of us.
Verse 7 tells us that ‘In Christ’ we have redemption through His blood, which is the forgiveness of sins. But in Christ – we have complete forgiveness. Not because of what we’ve done or not done – but all because of what Christ has done and ‘In Him’ we have been made righteous.
Take a moment to connect with your Heavenly Father.
Father, I thank you that you are good and that I am blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Thank you that I am chosen by you before I knew I was chosen and that I am holy and blameless before you in your love. Open my spiritual eyes to the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of you. Thank you that you allow me to experience your great love, every minute of every day. Amen.
