A Walk through Ephesians, Part 2
A Walk through Ephesians, Part 2:
Salvation is perhaps the biggest action word in the Bible.
Salvation, in a biblical sense, is absolutely cosmic and epic; it includes every particle of the universe being renewed. John declared in Revelation 21: 5, “He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’” In God’s epic plan in Christ Jesus, everything will be reoriented with Christ as center.
However, in our finite minds, we tend to reduce the word “salvation,” simply because we cannot fully grasp what Christ has done in the cross and how broadly, how deeply and all-encompassing salvation extends.
But just because we can’t understand it doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy it!
Too often we hear salvation limited only to the forgiveness of sins. When we reduce salvation to one thing, it’s like we haven’t grown up out of an immature understanding of all God has done for us in Christ. Forgiveness is certainly a tremendous gift of God, but in reality, salvation is much, much more!
What ARE the benefits Paul lists in Ephesians 1:3-14? Let’s take a deeper look.
In Christ, we have been:
…lavished with every spiritual blessing in Christ -
…chosen for blamelessness -
…loved by God our Father -
…adopted as His sons and daughters -
…included in God’s eternal plan -
…freely given grace and favor -
…redeemed through His blood and forgiven of sin -
…received wisdom and revelation of His will -
…given fullness and unity -
…acquired a living hope -
…created to manifest His glory - AND
…marked and sealed with the Holy Spirit as a deposit of our present and future inheritance!
In addition to all these gifts in the Holy Spirit—for those who have the Spirit of Christ—we have received something, or rather, Someone, who is REAL and who has brought us to life and vitality! He has raised us up and transformed us into a new identity and a new way of life.
Take another look at the above list of all we have received in Christ. What really speaks to you? What resonates with you? What had you not realized before?
If you would like to share your insights with us, feel free to hit REPLY or REPLY ALL so we may share in your joy!
Please take a moment today, and together let us thank our Father for His lavish blessings in Christ by His Spirit…and for this GREAT SALVATION!!
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1 John 3:1
Abba Father, we praise You for all You have done in Your Son Jesus! We praise You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit, who is alive and working in us and in your Church right now!! Lord, please open the eyes of our hearts and unstop our spiritual ears so we may see, hear and KNOW every spiritual blessing we have in Christ. Empower believers everywhere to live out our true identities in You!! Bind Your Church together in Trinity love, we pray. In the Mighty Name of Jesus, Amen.
On January 1, 2023, we publicly launched the first series of messages on reconciliation and biblical unity. To listen or watch, please click here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I51Qf9haNo0&list=PLK7Kxb0AZtjOhtS8CUlhemhKupAu5Lhh8&t=4s
For Jesus’ Sake,
Chris & Julie
PRAYER EMPHASIS: We continue to pray through our email recipients’ list, asking for what God may want to do in each of the churches and individuals who subscribe to this devotional. Please pray for the official start of this ministry in January 2023!!!
With whom might God want to share through YOU the message of unity and reconciliation in Christ?