Our Riches in Christ
July 15, 2022
Commentary
Man cannot save himself, for salvation is from the LORD (JON 2:9). All spiritual blessings come from the Father (vv. 1–6), the Son (vv. 7–12), and the Spirit (vv. 13–14). In Christ (vv. 15–23), we have all we need for life and service. Paul begins his letter to the saints (v. 1). A saint is not someone holy but one who trusts Jesus. The word “saint” appears nine times in this short letter and describes every believer. This name reminds us of our new identity in Christ, not our past failures. Paul writes, “I pray that God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you and bless you with peace!” (v. 2).
The main theme of this book is the riches we have in Christ (v. 3). God’s spiritual storehouse is full of blessings, and we will only see all of these in eternity. When we were born into God’s family, we were born rich. The wealthiest people on earth are poor compared to the wealth we have in Christ. The unsaved person focuses on earthly things because this world is their only home. But the believer’s heart should be centered in heaven, where our true citizenship is. Sadly, many Christians live like poor spiritual paupers even though Christ has made us rich beyond anything we can measure here.
Before God put one star in the heavens, He already planned our salvation (v. 4). The statement “He chose us” introduces the doctrine of election, a truth too deep to fully understand. The mystery of God’s choice and our responsibility cannot be solved in this life, but both are true. Verse 5 adds the word “predestination,” which speaks of what God does for His saved people. God was kind to us through His beloved Son, and for this we should always praise Him (v. 6).
Application
Do I realize how rich I am in Christ? I often live like a spiritual beggar, forget-ting the blessings God has already given me. How can I live today with gratitude instead of worry? When I face challenges, will I remember that I am chosen, loved, and secure in Him? This week, how will I give Him the honor or praise He deserves?
Ephesians 1:1–6 (NET)
1 From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints [in Ephesus], the faithful in Christ Jesus. 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!
3 Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ. 4 For he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and blameless before him in love. 5 He did this by predestining us to adoption as his legal heirs through Jesus Christ, according to the pleasure of his will— 6 to the praise of the glory of his grace that he has freely bestowed on us in his dearly loved Son.
The Greatest Gift
Patrick Henry once said, “I have now disposed of all my property to my family. There is one thing more I wish I could give them and that is faith in Jesus Christ. If they had that and I had not given them a single shilling, they would have b … Continue