EPHESIANS 1:3-14: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love, he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 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, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.”
Before we read on, go back and in today’s scripture mark each time we encounter references to us being in Christ. I will give you a hint. There are six to include the words “in him” and “in the beloved” pointing us to the staggering truth of our union in Christ; our being made one with Him. In fact, our Lord Himself would refer to this union in His High Priestly prayer – The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me (John 17:22-23). But I am not sure we deeply appreciate the blessings beyond being saved because of our union in Christ. There is so much more God the Father has blessed us with in Christ. Here are two to send our hearts soaring with praise.
Our union in Christ means we have an unchanging position with God – There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).None. No wrath. No penal judgment. And regardless of our conduct, our position doesn’t change. When God sees us, He sees Christ. Such truth never leads to a loose life of sin but a passionate pursuit of holiness out of gratitude.
Another great spiritual blessing in Christ is that our union with Him ensures we have an ever-present companion to walk with now and for eternity. Remember some of the last words Jesus told His disciples before He ascended to heaven? They were words of power and presence, not just for them, but for us, too, who believe and are in union with Him – And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen (Matthew 28:18-20). No need to fear. He is near. No need to be afraid. He is within us. No need to despair. He will never leave or forsake us.
In Christ, in Him, in the beloved . . . marvel over this work of God’s sovereign grace, and then live out the power of Christ in us, the hope of glory, before a world needing to see Him in and through His people.
PRAYER: “Father, I praise You for all You have given me in Your Son.”
QUOTE: “Ponder the riches we have in Christ beyond salvation. There is so much more than being saved.”