Ephesians 1:3-14 is one of my favorite passages. It reminds
us that we should praise God because he has blessed us with every spiritual
blessing in Christ. The list is long, but it includes four special blessings.
Why not take a minute and read the verses noted? Perhaps you will be encouraged
by what you read.
Perhaps you feel as though no one loves you or cares about you. If that’s the way you feel, be encouraged: God cared enough about you to choose you with the specific purpose of making you holy and blameless so that you could have fellowship with him. Surely that’s a reason to praise God.
Blessing #2: In the fulness of time, God redeemed us in Christ (1:7-10).
Perhaps you feel as though God could never be interested in you because your past is too nasty or your present is too messy. If that’s the way you feel, be encouraged: You are worth enough to God that he sent his son to pay a price you could never pay. Surely that’s a reason to praise God.
Blessing #3: At just the right time, God claimed us in Christ (1:11-12).
Perhaps you feel as though you have no purpose or life has no point. If that’s the way you feel, be encouraged: God claimed you as his possession, and his claim check was the cross of Jesus Christ. Surely that’s a reason to praise God.
Blessing #4: For all time, God sealed us in Christ (1:13-14).
Perhaps you feel uncertain about the future or are troubled by doubts. If that’s how you feel, be encouraged: Your future is guaranteed for all time because the Holy Spirit who indwells you is the downpayment of your final redemption. Surely that’s a reason to praise God.
Ephesians 1:4-6 New International Version
"For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves."
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