Following is a list from the letter to the Ephesians, detailing some of the things that Paul says are included in the blessings God has provided.
Note that they are all in the past tense–in other words, the work has already been done. Nothing remains to be tidied up. It is complete.
- He chose us in Christ (1:4). Even before the foundation of the world, God knew us and selected us to be part of his kingdom. The reason for this? That we might live holy, blameless lives before
- He predestined us (1:5). God has a wonderful purpose for our lives and he has prepared the way for us. The Greek word literally means that God has set out limits for us within which he wants us to live.
- He adopted us as his sons and daughters (1:5). Just as an orphan is adopted into a new family, so we, who were cut off from God through sin, have been adopted into his family. All the privileges of adoption are ours–a complete list of family benefits!
- He redeemed us (1:7). The blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son was the price paid to buy us back from the pawn shop of sin and to restore us to our rightful place in the household of God.
To read more on this topic see Living in the Image of God, Barry Chant (Miranda: Tabor, 2012 available in eBook and Paperback) from which this edited extract is taken.