Ephesians

Part 3

Pastor Gordon Crook

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.” Ephesians 1:7-10

In the first six verses, we started noting that Paul continually refers to He, Him, who hath, all referring to what God has done. This first chapter really helps us understand the provision, and it is those that will go deeper and seek complete maturity that will lay hold of these.

As we continue in this chapter, we continue to see more of what has been done for us. Redemption (liberation procured by the payment of a ransom), and forgiveness of sins (remission of the penalty). Jesus purchased (paid the price for) our redemption. Not just barely, but according to the riches of His grace. We do not have the capacity to understand the true meaning of that phrase. Anything we think about what that means, falls short of the actuality. Our minds are so limited by the fact that we live in a limiting environment. I really encourage you to take time and meditate on some of these statements in this first chapter. Let the Holy Spirit speak to you.

All of what we see here is God’s doing according to His good pleasure. We cannot take any credit, nor can we even think that we might have imagined this. And what we learn is that everything that God purposes is abundant. Never just barely enough. This entire plan is God’s wisdom. It certainly does not fit the wisdom of this world. Consider 1 Corinthians 1:17-25. 

He has abounded towards us. The means that He created provision for us beyond what might be expected. This is His wisdom. I often hear people say something like “God is so unfair, or He doesn’t care about human suffering, or how can a loving God do this?” As if somehow a puny little human could even imagine or understand the workings of the all-wise God. Paul says this “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” 1Corinthians 1:25. The most “foolish” thing that God could do, is still wiser than the wisest thing man could conceive.

And, instead of just keeping His wisdom to Himself, God imparts it unto us. “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:” 1Corinthians 1:30. Everything that God has is made available to us through Jesus. Not because we deserve it, but because it is His good pleasure (grace). This thing that God has done and is doing right now, is not just a random occurrence. He is not just throwing things out there to see what happens. God always has a plan and purpose with everything He does. All the provision He has made available to us is making something specific that God had predetermined before the beginning of time. 

God is bringing everything together in Jesus Christ. This is not an experiment to see if it works, it is a completed plan into which we are being offered a place. God absolutely will bring all things together in Jesus Christ, and the only question we must consider is: Am I going to be part of that? Remember that God is doing this. It is His work, not yours or mine.

For all of eternity, God will demonstrate that His plan of grace, that required the sacrifice of Jesus, was the only way, and that will bring Him glory. Notice this statement: “That we should be to the praise of his glory.” I always find this incredible. If you really understand the condition of humanity, it is incredible to consider that God will use us to bring glory to Himself, and yet, He absolutely will.

And, incase that isn’t enough, He has made us His heirs. We have “obtained” an inheritance. We have not “earned” an inheritance, it is God’s grace towards us to give us an inheritance in Christ Jesus. “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” Romans 8:17. I don’t know about you, but that is a statement that is hard to grasp. 

If I told you that your were heir to Warren Buffet, you might be overwhelmed at the immensity of that prospect. That isn’t even a drop in God’s bucket. He is the creator, and thus owner, of everything. This isn’t about some greedy grab for wealth, it is an acknowledgment of the immensity of God’s grace towards us. It should elicit gratitude and humility to realize we have been given saving grace, enabling grace and preparation grace. 

We have put our trust in Jesus, and that is all He has asked of us, Faith. Believe what He has said and trust that He will accomplish all of His will. The Gospel is not about performance, but rather it is about putting all of our trust and faith in Jesus for every aspect of our lives.  

Faith is not some blind adherence to something because someone told us to. We trust Him because He has proven who He is. Abraham stepped out in faith and God proved to Him over and over that He was able to do what He promised. It is even easier for us. We have all of the Old Testament that shows us over and over God’s faithfulness and His ability to accomplish His promises. 

Even beyond that, we can clearly see God’s faithfulness in His creation. He has created this world for us, and He sustains it every day. It is just exactly what we need to live.

Continued