How many of us have stopped to truly meditate on the blessings of Christ? The Bible tells us that all spiritual blessings are found in Him alone (Ephesians 1:3). But, what does that mean?
The context of Ephesians chapter one explains that Christians have unique blessings that find their origin in Christ alone, giving the Christian the perfect motivation for praising or blessing God.
Christians have been adopted! Many adoptions are processed through an agency of some kind. For Christians, our adoption takes place through the agency of Jesus Christ himself. The Father adopts us into His own family out of love, being literally delighted, highlighting His gracious nature (v.4-6).
Christians have been redeemed! Many adoptions require fees or a price to be paid, redemption is that price. God pays the full price for us by lavishing His grace on us through the blood sacrifice of Jesus (v.7-9). Why? By doing this, God reveals His plan for our forgiveness of sins, bringing us into harmony with Him (v.9-10).
Christians have an inheritance! Being adopted, we are made part of His family. Being redeemed, we are bought and paid for. The natural blessing of inheritance follows these two. This inheritance is the predetermined will of God that those who hope in Christ become a reason to praise the glory of God. This hopeful inheritance is salvation itself (Romans 8:24), teaching us that God predetermined a plan of redemption and the way His people should live. Having heard the word of truth, the Ephesians believed in and obeyed Christ tapping in to their adoption, redemption, and inheritance (v.13).
In other words, as Christians, we are given a family instead of being rejected. As Christians, we are considered valuable, instead of being worthless. As Christians, we are given the richest inheritance possible, instead of being destitute.
If you are a Christian, the next time your self-esteem or self-image is not doing so great, think about the blessings you have in Christ. If you are not a Christian, why not become one and experience these blessings?
~ Robert Guinn, submitted to Edmonton Church of Christ Weekly Bulletin Volume 31, Issue 02, January 14, 2018.
The context of Ephesians chapter one explains that Christians have unique blessings that find their origin in Christ alone, giving the Christian the perfect motivation for praising or blessing God.
Christians have been adopted! Many adoptions are processed through an agency of some kind. For Christians, our adoption takes place through the agency of Jesus Christ himself. The Father adopts us into His own family out of love, being literally delighted, highlighting His gracious nature (v.4-6).
Christians have been redeemed! Many adoptions require fees or a price to be paid, redemption is that price. God pays the full price for us by lavishing His grace on us through the blood sacrifice of Jesus (v.7-9). Why? By doing this, God reveals His plan for our forgiveness of sins, bringing us into harmony with Him (v.9-10).
Christians have an inheritance! Being adopted, we are made part of His family. Being redeemed, we are bought and paid for. The natural blessing of inheritance follows these two. This inheritance is the predetermined will of God that those who hope in Christ become a reason to praise the glory of God. This hopeful inheritance is salvation itself (Romans 8:24), teaching us that God predetermined a plan of redemption and the way His people should live. Having heard the word of truth, the Ephesians believed in and obeyed Christ tapping in to their adoption, redemption, and inheritance (v.13).
In other words, as Christians, we are given a family instead of being rejected. As Christians, we are considered valuable, instead of being worthless. As Christians, we are given the richest inheritance possible, instead of being destitute.
If you are a Christian, the next time your self-esteem or self-image is not doing so great, think about the blessings you have in Christ. If you are not a Christian, why not become one and experience these blessings?
~ Robert Guinn, submitted to Edmonton Church of Christ Weekly Bulletin Volume 31, Issue 02, January 14, 2018.
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