Ephesians 1 ~ we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of His glory

Covered Gate, painted by Alan Sanborn

Ephesians 1

English Standard Version, David Cochran Audio Bible

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,

To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful [saints who are also faithful] in Christ Jesus:

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us [Before him in love, having predestined us] for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee [down payment] of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, [until God redeems his possession] to the praise of his glory.

15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Sometimes it is overwhelming; so much information put in one place! I wonder if Paul wrote with joy like an engine, well supplied with all its needs taken care of. Like an airplane taking off. Revving up, energy abounds. Moving forward, moving, soaring! Or if he thought about his career at the Temple, going forward to Damascus to persecute those heathen Christians for tampering with the faith of the Temple. Was he overwhelmed at Grace and somewhat teary at the awesome plans and blessings God has?

In this passage, I'd say Paul was more like a brand-new jet engine. "Grace and peace to you, beloved! I've heard of your love and faith, I cannot stop giving thanks!"

How does God love us? Lavishly. God has planned immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe. He planned for us before we were created.

When do God's promises begin?

Today! Continuing in the age to come.

Thank You Father God ~

-Every spiritual blessing

- In love He predestined us

- Blessed to be part of His Beloved

- Redemption, forgiveness because of His mercy

- Uniting all things in Him; not just Heaven but Earth

- I've heard the word of truth, the gospel of my salvation, and believed in Him, and I am sealed with the promised Holy Spirit - not because of my own goodness - but because of God's plan. God's gift of salvation.

- In believing the Father of glory, you are given a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him. Salvation is a gift.

The Hope
1. Riches of His glorious inheritance with the saints. (On that day... we will stand in His Kingdom and see Him .... with nations of His Beloved.)
2. Immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe. (Today. All things are possible with God.)

God is above, far above, all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name. He is the Lord. The God. The Almighty. In Him all things were created. His Words are the Gift of Life. In Him we live, move and have our dwelling. Our very being.

Glory be to You, O Lord. Abba. And Jesus Christ, Your Son. Amen.

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