Scripture Text: Ephesians 1:4a
even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.
Ephesians 1:4a
If blessings will provoke us to praising the Lord who is worthy of all praise, then there must be an endless praise rendered to God by those whom He has blessed. That being said, there must be an enlightenment for the saints, on how should they should understand blessings. Remember that blessings must be understood in light of our past and new reality; we were undeserving of all the good things, and yet God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ. How did He accomplish that? He [The Father] has placed every believer in union with Christ, that all the blessings He [Christ] has acquired by His own virtue and merit (as the only perfect man) is placed in us as well! For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Such a blessing, for those whom the Father has sovereignly decided to bless!
As we understand further what it truly means to be blessed by God in Christ, here we can see how the Scripture tells vividly the immensity of our blessedness in Christ: “even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him (v.4a).” Despite the racial mixture of the church in Ephesus, Apostle Paul applies to the church significant language(s) that the OT Scriptures applied to Israel – “chosen” (Deut. 4:37 & 7:6-8). To be chosen therefore by God, or to be elected by Him [Father] in Christ, is the spiritual blessing or privilege from which all other spiritual blessings flow! This decision that God had made occurred before the creation of the world. This decision is solely based on God’s gracious decision and not on any human merit! And His goal for this wondrous choice which benefits us infinitely, is that we should be set-apart in Christ, and to be eternally united with Him. That is to say, we are to be a people for His own pleasure or esteem! That we may be holy and blameless! This purpose of God describes both an objective, and a result. Unrighteous persons who are declared righteous, unworthy sinners are declared worthy of salvation, enemies of God declared to be His adopted children—all because they are chosen by the Father in His Son Christ Jesus, whose name is the highest name above all! Whose beauties, and excellencies are infinitely indescribable!
What an unspeakable joy one can ever have, because of Him who has sovereignly blessed those who are to be found in Christ, being chosen by Him and Him alone! May our souls, dear saint, keep in mind that this is our new reality in the Lord Jesus Christ! And may this trustworthy truth, penetrate each heart who has placed their entire faith and hope in Him—who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.
With this, indeed, the Lord, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ must be truly praised! Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!
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. Does it humble you to know that you are chosen by God in Christ to be for His glory?
2. Does your blessedness in Christ propel and compel you to praise 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, I come before You, in the name of Your Son, to once again sincerely praise and thank You, for blessing me abundantly in Him, who is my Lord and Savior. I pray Father, that with this comprehension and apprehension of my blessedness, may You use this to create in me a humble heart, a heart that truly fears You and adores You, and a heart that will always be inclined to know more of my blessedness in the Messiah Jesus, that I may truly give to You what is really due to You—Your glory in Your Son, in whose name I pray. Amen.
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