Day 471: In Him – Ephesians 1 vs 7 – 12

7-10 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses,  according to the riches of his grace, which He lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of His will, according to His purpose, which He set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Him, things in heaven and things on earth.

11-12 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, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1:7-12 English Standard Version (New Living Translation link)

Did you spot what was the most frequent expression in the six verses we are looking at today?

It was those words 'in Him' and 'in Christ'. In vs 6 of last week's post Paul also used the phrase 'in the Beloved'. So Paul is talking about everything God has done through His beloved Son, Jesus Christ, and all that believers have received in Him. What is the great thing that Christians have received in Jesus according to vs 7-10?

The Greek word Paul used for 'redemption' was used when someone was set free from slavery or captivity through the payment of a price. They were 'bought out' of their helpless situation. In the case of Christians, the payment to release them from their sins wasn't made with money, but with the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. How does Paul describe this act of God in giving up His beloved Son to redeem sinners in vs 7-10?

He says the riches, or abundance, of God's grace were lavished upon them. That's why the apostle John said in his gospel that God SO loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son – i.e. the Beloved – to save those who were perishing. Redemption speaks of amazing mercy.

But vs 7-10 tell us of something else which God will wonderfully do 'in Christ'. What is that?

Through the gospel message God has made it known that He will fix up everything that sin had destroyed. As God's plan reaches it's climax, not only will there be one chosen people from Jews and Gentiles who are united to each other, and to God, through the forgiveness of their sins, but the war that had broken out in heaven will be ended, and God will bring about 'a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.' (2 Peter 3:13) All this is brought about in Jesus. God's ultimate plan is that everything in all of creation, all that has existed or will exist, will be under the Lordship of His beloved Son.

How does Paul describe this wonderful future that awaits believers? (vs 11-12)

He speaks of it as 'an inheritance' which God had planned from all eternity to give to everyone who is 'in Christ'. Think of the inheritances that heirs of the multi-billionaires of this world stand to receive. How incredibly rich it would make them. But the inheritance of God's people is even far richer than that. We will inherit eternity - and eternal life to enjoy it. Just as the Queen of Sheba was blown away when she saw the glory of King Solomon's kingdom and his God given wisdom - so Christians will see the magnificent glory that God has given His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Inheritances usually come after someone has died. Well, Jesus died and was buried. But God raised Him. And, as the apostle Peter said: “Heaven must receive Him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as He promised long ago through his holy prophets.” (Acts 3:21) Paul and Peter (and Christians in those days) were among the first to have such hope in Christ. But believers ever since have joined the throng. And all of this is for the praise of the glory of God, and the glory He has bestowed on His beloved Son. Are you someone who is 'in Christ'? If so, then He is worthy of all your love and praise because He has redeemed you from all your sins and given you a fantastic inheritance.