Ephesians 1 :18 “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,”
Have you ever gone to heaven? Have you ever seen the three heavens like the apostle Paul? Take a moment to think and answer this question: What does the Bible mean when it says, “You blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ?”
Let us examine Ephesian 1 to glean what it is that God wants us to know
Let me ask you this, Do you ever feel like you’re drifting, unsure of where you belong in God’s plan? If so, you’re not alone. Many people grapple with their sense of purpose, wondering how their lives fit into the larger picture of faith and God’s will. But what if I told you that these answers were written long before you were even born?
Paul’s words in Ephesians 1 give us a roadmap, illuminating who we are in Christ, the blessings we’ve received, and how God’s eternal plan includes each of us. Paul, an authoritative apostle chosen by Christ himself, wrote this letter to empower believers, reminding us of our place in God’s story. Today, we’re going to unpack how this passage applies to us, transforming doubt into faith and weakness into strength.
Embracing Our Spiritual Identity
Ephesians 1 begins with a profound reminder: we are “chosen” by God (Eph. 1:4). This isn’t by accident or because of anything we’ve done; God chose us in love before the world was even created. When doubts creep in, it can be grounding to remember that our worth isn’t based on our accomplishments or status. Instead, our identity rests in God’s unwavering, intentional love.
Key Insight:
When we understand that God calls us His own, it transforms our understanding of ourselves. We are adopted as His children (Eph. 1:5), not merely as distant followers but as beloved members of His family. This truth frees us from the insecurity that often comes with comparison or failure, reminding us that our identity and value come directly from God’s love.
The Blessings We’ve Received in Christ
Paul goes on to tell us that we are “blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Eph. 1:3). This is powerful because it suggests that God’s blessings extend far beyond the material. These blessings equip us with faith, strength, and wisdom to handle life’s trials. Ephesians 1 points us to a higher source of power, one that is not of this world but eternally secured in heaven.
In verse 7, we see a central element of our faith: forgiveness through Christ’s blood. Here, Paul reminds us that through Christ’s sacrifice, we are redeemed. This grace-driven forgiveness enables us to let go of our past mistakes, freeing us to live with confidence and joy.
Application:
When you feel weighed down by guilt, remember this gift of forgiveness. God’s grace is unearned, and accepting this grace allows you to live freely, knowing you’re redeemed and restored.
God’s Plan and Purpose: Predestination and Adoption
Verse 5 mentions a term that often raises questions—predestination. According to Paul, God chose us “before the foundation of the world.” This means that, as believers, we are part of God’s purposeful design. Predestination here isn’t meant to bring fear or questions but to instill awe. God’s perfect plan included each of us, and He set out to adopt us into His family, bringing us into His kingdom as His beloved children.
Reflect:
Do you struggle with finding purpose in your life? Ephesians 1 reminds us that God created each of us with intention. He wanted us as His own, and our calling is to live out that purpose in alignment with His will. Understanding predestination in this way can lead to a sense of belonging and purpose, even when life feels uncertain.
Sealed with the Holy Spirit
In verse 13, Paul tells us that we are “sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.” This seal signifies ownership and security, affirming that we belong to God and are eternally His. The Holy Spirit, as Paul describes, is like a down payment on our inheritance, a reminder of what awaits us in eternity. Through the Spirit, we gain wisdom, power, and guidance, equipping us to live out God’s purpose confidently and securely.
Empowerment Through Faith:
Knowing that we are sealed by the Holy Spirit provides profound encouragement. In moments of struggle, we can lean on this truth, knowing that God’s Spirit is our guide and helper, our constant reminder that we are never alone.
Final Thoughts: Living as God’s Masterpiece
As Paul concludes this chapter, he emphasizes the greatness of God’s power that works in us. Jesus was raised from the dead and now sits “far above all principality and power” (Eph. 1:20-21). This same power works in us, guiding us through every obstacle and equipping us to fulfill God’s calling. We are the body of Christ, and He is our head, filling us with His strength and purpose.
Prayer for Today
“Lord, thank You for the abundant blessings You’ve given us in Christ. Help us to walk confidently, knowing we are chosen, loved, and called according to Your purpose. Open the eyes of our understanding, that we may know the hope of our calling and the riches of our inheritance in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”