Ephesians-In Him

 [3] 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, [4] even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love [5] he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, [6] to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. [7] In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, [8] which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight [9] making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ [10] as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

[11] 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, [12] so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. [13] 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, [14] who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:3–14. ESV

 

At some point in time most Christians have given their testimony.  Maybe when talking about Christ with a nonbeliever or getting to know a new friend, sharing the story of the unique circumstances in your life when God called you to Him is an intimate experience.  Reliving in our minds the feelings, the change, the rescue is a deeply personal and helpful recollection that brings joy.  Though are stories all differ, what is the same is that after confessing our need for Christ, we were forever changed. 

 

The verses of Ephesians 1:3-14 bring us back to that glorious moment, and describe the significance of the Trinity’s work on our behalf. We see each member participate in our salvation.  The Father leads and directs, He elects those who will be saved.  The Son does the work of salvation, and redeems, purchases us at a cost.  The Spirit conveys the blessing to us that Christ has won. He also seals us and guarantee our salvation, preserving it.  This intimacy is described by the term “in Him;” the mystic union where our unity with the Godhead imputes to us our salvation and every spiritual benefit. 

 

We also see in this passage the three phases of salvation that we enjoy: being chosen by God in eternity past, ongoing forgiveness  in the present as we await a future inheritance-- new bodies free from sin and decay, as we live forever with Christ.  

 

[3] 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, [4] even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.

 

One of the reasons we love God when we think of salvation is that He has actually decided to give us Christ.  The outcome of our salvation is spiritual blessings, things that effect the spiritual reality and destiny of our lives.  This can be challenging because as Christians we often want our earthly circumstances to be changed.  Instead, the spiritual advantages we have in Christ are to help us as we live in a broken world.  He chose us, not because we were holy and blameless, but because His presence and intercession shape us that way.  Your salvation wasn’t capricious, but something in His mind before He made the world.    

 

In love [5] he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, [6] to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. [7] In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, [8] which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight [9] making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ [10] as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

 

The blessings we receive from Christ are extraordinary.  We are adopted, redeemed, and forgiven.  These lavish gifts come from His love.  Not only do we receive benefits we don’t deserve, the grace shown to us magnifies God. 

 

A tricky term to understand is mystery.  It is used in a different sense than a problem to be solved.  Instead it describes and previously vague idea that is now revealed.  The mystery here is that Christ would unite all things to himself.  The Jews had believed they alone would be saved but Paul explains God’s plan all along was that Gentiles would be included in salvation as well.  This the truth that has been revealed, the mystery of the gospel.  

 

[11] 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, [12] so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. [13] 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, [14] who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

 

The culmination of our blessings yet to come, glorified bodies living for eternity with God in his kingdom.  This is guaranteed because God brings all things to work according to His plan.  The Holy Spirit is further proof our destiny awaits.  He protects and preserves us until heaven.  

 

 

Reflection questions: 

 

1.     How would you tell someone how salvation works from these verses? 

2.     What is the blessing you are most grateful for from the Lord?  

3.     Have you ever considered the unique role each member of the Trinity plays in our salvation?  Pray to each one, thanking them for the contribution to your salvation.