#2: Adoption through Grace and redemption
Let’s continue in Ephesians 1 looking at verses 5-7
“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. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace”
You are adopted into God’s family by the grace of God through the blood of Jesus, for His glory.
How does that make you feel? Curious, thankful, ashamed, cautious, fearful, unsure?
At different times, over the last few decades, when I have read this verse I experienced various emotional responses to these truths until I came to a point of receiving the beautiful gift God has lavished upon me (us).
I am accepted. You are accepted. I am “graced with grace.” You also are “graced with grace.” The blood of Jesus not only saves us it also invites us to participate in the kingdom purposes of God’s plan for humanity.
Do you ever wonder: But why me? What do I have to offer?
Why: because God loves you enough to have chosen you
What: your obedient life!
How: through Jesus’ blood and the in-dwelling gift of God’s Spirit to equip, empower and mature you through grace
I love Jude 24-25 “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever, Amen.”
When God chose you and redeemed you, He already had a plan in place to help you. He is a good Master and has given you everything you need to live a life worth of Him. All He asks is for your complete surrender.
I know this can be scary. Trust has gotten twisted in our culture. People, in general, tend to be skeptical. Proverbs 3:5-6 helps us here, “trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
Actions:
~trust in the Lord
~don’t depend on your own understanding
~seek His will in ALL you do
Promise:
~he will show you which path to take
That is reassuring!
Beloved, I encourage you to receive the treasure of this incredible gift: assurance in complete forgiveness for every wrong you have already done as well as for every error you will make in the future. Jesus’ blood paid the price for all of it! Past, present and future. You are forgiven and made blameless before God. Not only that, you have been given the gift of His Spirit to help you each and every day. As you seek Him, he shows up and helps you out.
Father,
I thank you for the blood of Jesus that has paid the price for our sins. I also thank you for the gift of Your Spirit who helps us to walk in the plans you have laid out for us. All you ask is for our obedience. May the reader and I experience Your peace as we learn to obey in all You ask of us.
For Your glory and praise
Amen
Blessings over your day!
Amy
