Blessed in Christ

Ephesians 1:1-14

Martin Luther said that the most important book in the NT was the book of Romans. He said it contained the ‘purest gospel’ of all the books. If Romans has the purest exposition of the gospel, then Ephesians has the highest most exalted exposition.

This first chapter is all about God - what He has done, how He has done it and why He has done it.

This is high doctrine. Christians who say ‘we don’t need more dry doctrine - we need a fresh encounter!’ When Paul wanted to encourage ordinary Christians he preached doctrine to them!

The Apostle Paul begins by telling of the glory of salvation but from God’s perspective rather than ours.

This epistle contains more references to the will or decision of God than any other NT book, except the Gospel of John. - Markus Barth

This is the story of what God the Father has done ‘in and through Christ’ on behalf of His Church.

The phrase ‘in Christ’ appears no fewer than 10 times in these first 14 verses.

IN CHRIST...

We are set apart (v1)

No man, therefore, is a believer who is not also a saint; and, on the other hand, no man is a saint who is not a believer - Calvin

2. We are blessed with EVERY spiritual blessing (v 3)

The blessings of those who are in Christ are spiritual. Not merely material/temporal, but spiritual and everlasting.

Paul then lists these spiritual blessings for us beginning with the source of all the others - election.

3. We were chosen (v4)

Election is all through the Bible - God chose Abraham, He chose Moses, He chose Paul - He chooses His people. Our choosing of Him is the fruit, not the root of our election.

in choosing us, the Lord does not consider what kind of people we are, neither is he reconciled to us because of our worth. The only ground of our reconciliation is his eternal good pleasure by which he predestines us - Calvin

Romans 9:11–15 ESV

11 though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— 12 she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” 13 As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” 14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! 15 For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”

3b. We were predestined to Adoption as sons (v 5)

4. Blessed with glorious Grace! (v 6)

5. We are redeemed through His blood. (v 7)

Redemtion - ransom/Forgiveness - release

6. The mystery of God’s purposes are made known. (v 9)

7. All things are united in heaven and on earth. (v 10)

8. We obtain an inheritance (v 11)

Our inheritance is sure on two counts; 1) we are heirs as sons of God 2) He doesn’t only predestine us but also, all things according to the council of His own sovereign will.

9. We are to the praise of God’s glory! (v 12)

10. We are sealed with the Holy Spirit (v 13)

A seal is a sign of authenticity, a sign of ownership, and it makes secure.

God gave a people to his Son in the covenant of redemption. Those included in that covenant, and because they are included in it—in other words, because they are in Christ as their head and representative—receive in time the gift of the Holy Spirit and all other benefits of redemption.

All of these things, all of these blessings that the faithful receive are to the praise of God’s glory. That is the ultimate end - the glory of God!