Ephesians: His Glorious RichesSample

This section consists of a 202- word sentence, one of the longest sentences in the New Testament. It is a rhapsody of praise and a song of salvation. There is nothing quite like it in all of Paul’s letters. 

As Paul describes our salvation, he seeks to stretch our minds: 

• Salvation is far richer than you think – it is the eternal purpose of the triune God. It is planned and administered by the Father (vv. 4–6). It is purchased and accomplished by the Son (vv. 7–12). It is applied and communicated by the Holy Spirit (vv. 13–14).
• Salvation is far older than you imagine – it originated in eternity (v. 4) and stretches forward to a future time when all things will be united under the rule of King Jesus (vv. 10, 14). 
• Salvation is far bigger than you can comprehend – it concerns individuals, the church and the cosmos (vv. 9–10). 

Look at verse 3. The source of all our blessings is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He delights to grant us ‘every spiritual blessing’. These blessings are secure because they are ‘in the heavenly realms’. As you work through the letter, begin to make a list of the blessings of salvation. The great purpose of salvation is holiness (v. 4) and adoption into God’s family (v. 5). It is quite incredible to think about this! 

The great and glorious God of Heaven brings us into a personal and intimate relationship with Himself. We can turn our hearts to Him and call Him our Father. How will this affect the way you pray today? Adoption involves access to God our Father, confidence in all circumstances and confident hope for the future (Rom. 8:15–17, 29–30; Gal. 4:1–7). We will be saved to glory in God’s grace (v. 6; Ex. 34:4–7). 

How can these blessings help us when we face temptation or trials?

Reflection

The proper response to election is not arrogance or complacency but worship, service and holiness (Rom. 12:1–2; 2 Pet. 1:3–4).