Phil Rowlands

Hello, my friends!

Today, let’s consider together the amazing plan God has for us as revealed in Ephesians 1:1-6. It's incredible how the riches of God's grace transform our lives. The unsaved might chase after earthly riches because that's all they know, but as believers, our focus is on heavenly riches. We have a unique dual citizenship: our earthly address and our spiritual address in the heavenly places in Christ. Regardless of our earthly circumstances, whether in a bustling city or a humble village, our true position, our true home, our spiritual address, is in Christ.

Friends, let's explore how our salvation is a divine collaboration involving the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Father planned our salvation from eternity, the Son purchased it with His blood, and the Spirit applies it to our lives. Ephesians 1:4-6 reveals that we were chosen by the Father before the foundation of the world. This choice was not random but purposeful, predestined for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ. This means we were set apart to be holy and blameless before Him in love. This isn't about sinlessness but about handling our sin correctly, knowing that in Christ, we are blameless.

The term “chosen” can evoke mixed feelings. On one hand, it brings a profound sense of belonging and purpose. On the other, it can be daunting to consider why we were chosen and for what purpose. Being chosen by God is not based on our merits but on His grace and love. It's a comforting truth that we are part of His grand plan, which transcends time and human understanding. Before we were born, before the world was created, God had already chosen us to be part of His family. This divine selection is grounded in love, aimed at making us holy and blameless before Him.

We are accepted in the Beloved. Just as Mary was highly favoured and chosen to bear Jesus, we too are highly favoured and chosen to have Christ dwell within us. This indwelling presence transforms us, making our bodies the temple of the Holy Spirit. Imagine, the eternal love that the Father has for the Son is now extended to us. We are His beloved, and He has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, allowing us to feel the same love Jesus feels in the presence of the Father (Galatians 4:6).

When we talk about being “in Christ,” it's essential to understand the depth of this phrase. It signifies our union with Him. This union is not a mere association but a profound spiritual reality. As believers, we share in Christ's death, resurrection, and exaltation. We are no longer our own; we belong to Him. This belonging comes with incredible blessings and responsibilities. We are to live lives that reflect our heavenly position, showing the world the transformative power of the Gospel.

Friends, think about how amazing this is. We have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. These blessings begin with God's choosing and end with being filled with the fullness of God. Just as Christ is seated in the heavenly places in His glorified body, we too share in His life through the new birth. What is true of Him is true of us spiritually. As He is, so are we in this world. This is our identity in Christ, and it is from this place of blessing and favour that we live our lives.

In a world where people often struggle with their worth and purpose, understanding that we are chosen and loved by God before the foundation of the world gives us a profound sense of identity and security. This divine plan wasn't an afterthought; it was a well-orchestrated design by our Heavenly Father. We don't get into God's family by our own efforts but by His grace through regeneration. When we are born again, we receive the nature of God's children, and through adoption, we are granted the status of sons, with all the rights and privileges that come with it.

The concept of adoption in the biblical context is rich with meaning. In ancient times, adoption was a legal act that granted the adopted child all the rights and privileges of a natural-born child. This is what God has done for us. He has legally and eternally placed us in His family, giving us access to all His blessings. This adoption means we have a new identity, a new family, and a new inheritance. Our past no longer defines us; our future in Christ does.

Consider the implications of being seated with Christ in the heavenly places. This term “in Christ” appears repeatedly in Ephesians, emphasising our unity with Him. Because He is victorious over sin, death, and Satan, we too share in that victory. We are not defeated; we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. This understanding empowers us to live boldly and confidently, knowing that our spiritual riches far surpass any earthly wealth.

Our earthly circumstances might vary greatly, but our spiritual wealth in Christ is immeasurable and unchanging. Paul, even while in prison, received incredible revelations about our identity in Christ. His circumstances didn't hinder his spiritual insight, and neither should ours. We can access the same heavenly riches, allowing them to transform our daily lives. Whether we face trials or triumphs, our position in Christ remains our constant source of strength and hope.

The apostle Paul, despite his physical chains, was spiritually free and rich in Christ. His letters from prison, including Ephesians, are filled with joy, hope, and profound theological insights. This shows us that our external circumstances do not determine our spiritual reality. In Christ, we have a secure and unshakable foundation. We can face life's challenges with the assurance that we are deeply loved and eternally secure in Him.

Understanding our spiritual blessings in Christ should lead us to a life of gratitude and worship. When we grasp the depth of God's love and the richness of His grace, our natural response is to worship Him with our whole lives. This worship is not confined to a church service but is expressed in how we live, love, and serve others. Our lives become a testament to God's goodness and grace, drawing others to Him.

Moreover, being “in Christ” means we are part of His body, the church. This is not just a local congregation but the universal body of believers. We are interconnected, each of us playing a unique role in God's redemptive plan. Our unity in Christ transcends cultural, social, and geographical boundaries. This unity is a powerful witness to the world of the transformative power of the Gospel.

As we navigate our daily lives, it's crucial to keep our eyes fixed on our heavenly position. The world will try to distract us, making us focus on temporary and material things. But we are called to live with an eternal perspective. Our true riches are in Christ, and these riches are not subject to the fluctuations of the world's economy. They are secure and eternal, providing us with peace and stability in a turbulent world.

Friends, let's also consider the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He is the one who applies the work of Christ to us, making these spiritual realities experiential. The Spirit is our guarantee, our down payment of the inheritance that awaits us. He guides, empowers, and seals us for the day of redemption. Through the Spirit, we experience the presence of God, His love, and His power in our daily lives.

This profound relationship with the Holy Spirit is a continuous journey of growth and transformation. As we yield to His leading, we become more like Christ, reflecting His character and love to the world. The Spirit also helps us understand and apply the Scriptures, revealing the deep truths of God's Word and how they apply to our lives. This ongoing work of the Spirit is vital for our spiritual growth and maturity.

Friends, as we drink deeply from the riches of God's grace, let's remember that we are chosen, loved, and highly favoured. Our identity in Christ is secure, and we are seated with Him in the heavenly places. Let this truth shape our lives and fill us with gratitude, praise, and a desire to share this incredible message with others. The world needs to know about the hope and riches we have in Christ. Our lives, filled with His love and grace, can be a powerful testimony to His transformative power.

In conclusion, Ephesians 1:1-6 is a powerful reminder of who we are in Christ. We are chosen, adopted, and blessed with every spiritual blessing. This truth should transform how we see ourselves and live our lives. We are not defined by our past or our circumstances but by our position in Christ. Let's live out this truth boldly and confidently, knowing that we are deeply loved and eternally secure in Him.

Be blessed today, my brothers and sisters. As we meditate on these profound truths, may they deepen our relationship with God and inspire us to live out our faith with joy and passion. Remember, you are chosen, you are loved, and you are highly favoured in Christ.

Phil