Scripture Text: Ephesians 1:4b-6
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.
Ephesians 1:4b-6
Being a Christian must be understood in light of the blessedness of a believer in Christ. One must keep in mind that this is what it means to be a Christian: that God has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing. As we keep on understanding this in a much more intimate way, may our praising of God and our Father increase and transform in a way to which it should really be—a heart that truly understands that Christ is all one can have, and He is all that one truly needs! For in Him [Christ], we have been chosen by the Father (true blessing that one must count in life), wherein this is where all the spiritual blessings or privileges of being a Christian flow! This is our new reality. This is what we must live out! That we are blessed people in Christ! And no one can take away or alter this blessed reality, for this is God’s powerful decision done in the eternity past.
As we understand further the depth of our new reality in Christ, or our blessedness, we must also see the great change wrought by the coming of Christ to be one with 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 (vv.4b-6).” After being chosen by the Father, we are predestined to be adopted as His children. Children here must be understood as one who is appointed to be an heir. And this is what it means to be the recipient of God’s never-ending goodness and glorious grace! He loves us dearly in Christ, and shares to us the eternal inheritance of His own dear Son. Not only that, this adoption God had made in Christ, imputes to us the very image of His Son! So, to be adopted by the Father through Christ, is to share the riches, blessings, and the very nature of Christ Himself! This is such a blessing to count, for we in our own nature are not children of God, but are heirs of wrath!
Calling God as our Father is indeed a blessedness to count! Let it not be just a mere cliché. This is not just a new formal address as well to the Almighty, but again a new reality that must be lived out by faith. We have moved from being God’s enemy to be His children. We are in a love-covenant relationship with God. And the main purpose of this blessedness one can have is to the praise of his glorious grace! What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.
May your heart, dear saint, be truly captivated by this blessedness that you have in Him, and because of Him! May you find yourself, together with the psalmist, acclaiming, bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits! who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Ultimately, the enjoyment of God in Christ is the only joy and happiness with which our souls can be truly and magnificently satisfied.
Desire to know Him more, who has loved you unconditionally and eternally! Thirst and long for Him! Be in awe of Him—the darling of Heaven! He is all yours… He is all-perfect, all-holy, all-glorious!
Hear this then, dear saint: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Christ is all that we have! Christ is all that we need!
Take heart, dear saint!
Reflect
1. Do you have now a new understanding of being blessed by God in Christ?
2. How much do you value your love-covenant relationship with God?
3. Do you desire and long to love Him more, as you ought to be?
Remember
Every blessing from God and our Father are means to keep us back to our chief end—to glorify God, and enjoy Him forever! Live your life therefore for the praise of His glory, and continue to live out your blessedness in Him!
Pray
Father in Heaven, Yours Lord is the glory, honor, praises, and thanksgiving. For You alone deserve all of it. Thank You, Father for blessing us with Your Son, whose glories transcend everything. I pray Father, that You may grant me a heart that truly clings to this truth, and a heart that truly understands that He is really all that I need, and He is my highest good. Please Father, enable me to be fixed on this purpose: to glorify Him, who died, and was raised, and will come back for me. This I pray, in His Name. Amen.
Comments