Chosen and Redeemed
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…   “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.” Ephesians 1:4-8
When we consider all the Christ has done for us, Paul helps us to understand the “spiritual blessings” we have in Christ. As Paul addresses the believers in Ephesus he points out their position in Christ and how it is achieved.
Considering all the obvious human failings of humanity from the patriarchs of the Old Testament to looking at our lives today, the idea of being “blameless” is difficulty to believe or accept. But Paul says those in Christ are chosen “from the creation of the world” to be holy (set apart) and blameless in His sight.
Regardless of our actions past or present, when we place our faith in Christ’s forgiveness and grace we are seen by God as blameless. That is to release us from shame and the burden of guilt. The challenge becomes to see ourselves as God see us in Christ.
Next Paul says, that through God’s love we have been predestined for “sonship.” This speaks of the extent of God’s love and our connection to Him as part of God’s “family.” It is only through adoption that children are “chosen” to be a part of a family. God’s gift to us in Christ is to the “praise of God’s glorious grace given through Christ.”Â
I think of David, the shepherd boy, hesitating to marry the daughter of King Saul. He said, “it is not a small thing to marry the daughter of the King” becoming part of the King’s family. How much more fortunate are we to be included in God’s family. Perhaps only foster children or orphans can relate to the joy and excitement about being a chosen to be part of a family. If you could imagine what it would be like for an orphan child to be adopted by the President of the United States, it might give us a glimpse of the privilege afforded to us in Christ.
All of this is possible because we have been “redeemed.” The alienation that took place on mankind with the sin of Adam and Eve placed in all people a bent that leads to sin and separation from God. The redemption price in the spiritual realm was the blood of Christ. The provides for forgiveness of sin through the abundance of God’s grace.
As we reflect on all the blessings we have from the Lord, let’s always keep in mind the spiritual blessings and what they mean for our lives.
Prayer for today…Â Lord, thank You for the spiritual blessings that have been bestowed upon us through Your love and grace. Help us to comprehend in a greater way and stand in awe of all You have done for us. Thank You that You have chosen us to be blameless, predestined us to be a part of Your family and redeemed us through the blood of Christ.Â