Ephesians set out in memorable terms and vivid pictures, the practical consequences of what God has done in Christ. It is a wonderful book for us to read and reflect, as a virtual health check for all of us.
Ephesians 1:4
Believers (followers of Christ) Christians are chosen. But let's read from verse 3: 'Blessed by God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens of Christ'.
Verse 4: 'For He chose 'us' in Him before the foundations of the world, to be Holy and blameless in His sight.'
You see there is an "US" there. If we are in Christ Jesus, we are blessed with every spiritual blessing. We are chosen. There is a place God has made for us, and he will equip us. Believers have a new status.
Verse 7: 'In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses according to the riches of His grace.'
Believers are specially taught.
Verse 9: He has made known to us the mystery of His will.
For He has plans for us, plans for our good and not for ruin Jeremiah 29 Verse 11.
Verse 13-14: Believers are given an inheritance.
All the wealth of heaven is made over to them, the Holy Spirit is a first installment or appetizer of all that God has for us in Christ.
Ephesians gives us hope. God is able to use even sinful human choices for His purposes and whatever God does for those in Christ, He does accordingly to a carefully orchestrated plan for their benefit.
Ephesians describes the eternal benefit of faith in Christ, it explains that our faith is a move from death to life.
In Ephesians, there is a focus on unity in Christ. We are members of the body of Christ. Ephesians compares the unity we have in Christ with a mantle unity. This book tells us to prepare for a fight not carnal, but spiritual warfare.
Let us finish with Ephesians 2:17-18
'Christ came and preached peace to you who were far away and to those who were near. For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Holy Spirit.'
We will leave you with a reflective thought: 'It is never the cost of your ministry (or walk) that is inspirited, it is the fruit of your ministry (or walk) that is important to God'.
People that spend time with Our Lord and Our Friend, start thinking differently of what is possible.
God bless.
OFJ
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