“And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2.6-10
Read these six statements from Paul:
“God raised us up with Christ…. v.6a
“God seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus….v.6b
“God shows us the riches of grace, expressed in kindness to us in Christ Jesus…v.7
“God saved us by faith, through faith….v.8a
God made us his handiwork created in Christ Jesus….v.10a
God prepared works in advance for us to do….v.10b
These six statements emphatically say what God is doing or will do. He raises us up, seats us with him, shows us riches, saves us by faith, makes us his handiwork and prepares work for us. God the Father does all of these things clearly through the person of Jesus Christ. He raises up with Christ, seats us in Christ, and so on and so forth. Every part of God’s divine action and activity in this world is done with, through or in the person of Jesus.
How wonderful that God involves us in his plan. We are beneficiaries of his promises. If we believe, if we follow, if we obey, we will be bestowed in this life and the life to come with incredible opportunities to serve with him while receiving blessings beyond measure. Why wouldn’t every person cling to the person of Jesus? Why wouldn’t all turn to God? Why wouldn’t we place our hope in the One who has rescued us from ourselves and the sin and darkness that so easily entangles?
Paul’s six statements are statements of grace. They are statements of promises. They are statements of blessing.
What blessing to you need from the Lord today? Have you received the Holy Spirit inside of you? Have you surrendered every fiber of your being to Christ? Why not recommit this very day to him? Come before the throne of grace and ask the Lord to bind your life to his. For he loves you beyond all you could hope or imagine.
“O Lord God, you are good. I am a little stirred up right now because of the world in which we live. I see so many choosing lifestyles alternative then your original design. I know these will lead to suffering, sin and death. Rescue us Jesus! Save us from the clutches of the devil who wants nothing but to kill, steal and destroy. Help us find solace and solitude in you alone. I love you Lord and trust your name. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen