March 29th, Sunday: Ephesians 1- 2

Eph 1

Salvation being from God.

Man does not save himself, for salvation is of the Lord.

You receive spiritual blessings from the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

And in Jesus, you have all you need for life and service.

Salvation being all of grace.

Paul emphasizes this point throughout the letters, especially in chapter 2:1-10.

Grace is God's favour bestowed on people who do not and cannot deserve it.

Salvation is for God's glory.

God saves sinners not to solve their problems but to bring glory to Himself.

The church will glorify Him for all eternity.

Salvation reveals God's greatness.

Ask God to open your spiritual eyes to see the greatness of His power.

You know, He will!

Jesus is alive and He has conquered every enemy.

You may draw on His power to meet every need in life.

Eph 2

Death to life.

Lost sinners are not simply sick people needing help.

No.

They are dead people needing life.

The Son of God died that we might receive life through faith in Him.

We move from bondage to freedom.

Lost sinners are in bondage to the world, the flesh and the devil, and cannot free themselves.

In Christ, you have true freedom.

Now God is working in you and through you to accomplish His great purposes.

Tomb to the throne.

God did not give you life and leave you in the cemetery.

He lifted you up to sit on the throne with His victorious Son.

Separation to reconciliation.

In Jesus Christ, believing Jews and Gentiles are now one.

The barriers have been removed.

The believers are members of one body, citizens of one holy nation and living stone in one temple.

All of this is of God – His marvelous love and His grace and kindness.

No wonder Paul opened this letter with a doxology.