(7)In Him we have redemption through His
blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace ;
(11-14)also we have
obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who
works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the
first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory. In Him, you also,
after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation--having
also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is
given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's
own possession, to the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1:7;11-14
This week we are looking at Gods Best Blessings and how to
recognize them in our lives.
In the verse above Paul describes
blessings as "blessings in heavenly places." This means literally
means that these blessings are things that originated in heaven. They are not
earthly blessings, but they are heavenly blessings! In the most literal sense,
they are "Heavenly Things!" With that in mind, it will help us all to
learn just what these heavenly things are. Yesterday we looked at verses
4-6. Let’s continue with verse 7 today
to see what the rest of these wonderful heavenly blessings are that our Father
has for us.
·
He Speaks
of Freedom v.7a - This verse tells us that we have been
"redeemed". There are three Greek words in the New Testament that are
translated "redeemed." This particular one means to "release a
captive after the payment of a ransom price." It carries the idea of
purchasing a slave and then immediately turning that slave loose. This is what
Jesus did for us! He paid the price, 1 Pet. 1:18-19; John 19:30, and then He
set us free, Luke 4:18! (Ill. Jesus died for me, saved me by His grace and
delivered me from the captivity of sin. What a blessing!)
·
Forgiveness
v.7b - This verse goes on to tell us that we have received forgiveness of
our sins. I don't know about you, but that means something to me! I was a
wretched man when Jesus saved me, but at the instant of salvation, every single
sin in my past, my present and in my future was forever forgiven! (Ill. Psa.
103:12; Isa. 38:17; Isa. 43:25; Jer. 50:20; Micah 7:19; Col. 2:13-14; 1 John
1:7) (Ill. We have been forgiven of all our sins! What a blessing!)
·
Future
v.11-14 - Verse 11-14 speak of three more spiritual blessings that manifest
themselves as we go through life into the future:
1.
v.11
Our Destination - This verse speaks of our heavenly home! Every child of
God has a home awaiting them in Heaven, John 14:1-3. This home is glorious
beyond compare, Rev. 21:4; 1 Pet. 1:4. (Ill. We have a home in gloryland! What
a blessing!)
2.
v.12
Our Consecration - This verse refers to the new manner in which we are to
live our lives after we come to know the Lord Jesus as our Savior. The fact is,
we are changed by salvation, 2 Cor. 5:17. An experience that does not produce
change, both inwardly and outwardly, is not a valid salvation experience. When
He saves us, He begins the process of making us more like Him!
3.
v.13-14
Our Preservation - These verses remind us that when we were saved, we were
sealed with the Holy Spirit, Eph. 4:30. He is the "earnest money".
This means that He is the down payment that secures us for eternity. The Holy
Spirit is the Lord's promise that what He began at the moment of salvation, He
will continue until we are home in Heaven, Phil. 1:6; 2Tim. 1:12. (Ill. If you
are save, you are sealed! If you are sealed, you are secure, John 10:28; 1 Pet.
1:5. If you are secure, then you can rest and rejoice in that truth. Thank God,
in Jesus we are saved to the "uttermost" - Heb. 7:25! What a
blessing!)
Scripture to Claim:
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:8-11 ESV
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:8-11 ESV
