3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
11 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, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
This text helps me get through some very difficult times. Most people turn to Ephesians 2:8-9 for the reminder that God has worked out their salvation. But here I find the Holy Trinity planning out my salvation before the foundation of the world.
God's plan for redemption by blood for the forgiveness of sins is just this simple. But why does St Paul recall it for us? St Paul is reminding us by repeatedly talking about God's plan, purpose, and will, that it is not our plan. Those who follow their own passions and desires will find their endulgences leading down a wide road to a place prepared for the Devil.
But by the grace of God there is another way. There is an eternal plan of salvation for all who are caused to believe in the Beloved Son of God. This Beloved Son is killed and raised a new so that new sons may be made. These sons are sealed by the Holy Spirit for salvation. They are sealed so that death nor the Devil can remove them from the loving Arms of our Father in Heaven.
This plan does not require your actions, but is the desire of the one true and holy God.
God's plan for redemption by blood for the forgiveness of sins is just this simple. But why does St Paul recall it for us? St Paul is reminding us by repeatedly talking about God's plan, purpose, and will, that it is not our plan. Those who follow their own passions and desires will find their endulgences leading down a wide road to a place prepared for the Devil.
But by the grace of God there is another way. There is an eternal plan of salvation for all who are caused to believe in the Beloved Son of God. This Beloved Son is killed and raised a new so that new sons may be made. These sons are sealed by the Holy Spirit for salvation. They are sealed so that death nor the Devil can remove them from the loving Arms of our Father in Heaven.
This plan does not require your actions, but is the desire of the one true and holy God.
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