Ephesians 1:3-14 (NRSV)
Read Ephesians 1:3-14 on biblegateway.com
Verse 3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, Verse 4just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. Verse 5He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, Verse 6to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. Verse 7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace Verse 8that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight Verse 9he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, Verse 10as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. Verse 11In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, Verse 12so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. Verse 13In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; Verse 14this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God's own people, to the praise of his glory.
Devotion
One of the blessings of being a global missionary is that I get to see how different cultures gather together as families. Coming together as families can help build stronger relationships. I grew up in a big family clan. It is within that family that I received an introduction to the Word of God, learned what it means to be a Christian, and how to share with others.
Paul reminds us in this letter that God “destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will… With all wisdom and insight, he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ.” As we peacefully share the gospel of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ, God works to grow his family. May we go forth proclaiming this Good News boldly and confidently each day.
Prayer
Gracious and loving God, thank you for adopting us as your children into your family. Empower us by your Holy Spirit to see all others as you see them—potential inheritors of your wisdom and insight. Equip us to share the truthful promise that salvation comes by faith in Jesus Christ, your Son, so that we may guide more people into the family of God. Amen.
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