Accepted: Who We Really Are and What He Has Given UsSample

 Day 1: Ephesians 1:1-5

Over the next few days, we will journey on the mountaintops of who we are in the Lord Jesus through sections of Paul’s wondrous letter to the Ephesian church. We will find that we are accepted, forgiven, positioned, empowered, and uniquely created for God’s purposes. It is from the platform of His grace and truth about who we are, despite our sin and failings, that we take our first steps forward in greater freedom, Holy Spirit living, and fulfillment for our lives.

From the outset, Paul encourages us to know that we are God’s saints, and we have received spiritual blessings beyond compare. The word saint (New Testament Greek: hagios) means holy one.

It is difficult for us to see ourselves in this light of purity and moral goodness because we know our issues, strongholds, habits, and hang-ups. Right? However, this truth about why we are called saints will be evident as we study further.

As humans, we long for His blessing in every area of our lives, but we must first realize that we are already positioned in His blessing. We may be searching for something He has already lavishly given us. What is every spiritual blessing? Holy Spirit gifts, enablement, and the authority of His Name, to give a few examples (1 Cor. 12, Eph. 1:19, Luke 10:17-20). We are not spiritual paupers; we have been abundantly blessed and have all we need in Christ Jesus (2 Peter 1:3).

Finally, we are chosen.

The words chosen and predestination in these opening verses can be disconcerting, and we may have differing theological views. Regardless, here, these words speak to those who have responded to the gospel by saying yes to Jesus as Lord of their lives (John 1:12). We have been chosen because we are His children, and He is enabling us to walk in His love with holiness and without blame—a work that only He can do through us (Eph. 3:7).

Chosen.

You are chosen. I am chosen. This is our position in Jesus and how our Father sees us, whether we feel worthy of being chosen or not. We see our messes; He looks at us and sees His Son. Recognizing this truth reveals the power of His grace and our residency here and now in the Kingdom of His agape, unconditional, and limitless love (Col. 1:13).