Ephesian Day 11

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 1:11-14

I’m hopeless at labelling things. It’s just not something that goes through my mind. And so, sometimes I lose things or forget things. Books that I lent to people. Soccer balls. Food at the bottom of the freezer - forgot what it was. But God is a bit more careful than this. When it comes to His precious people in Christ, He is unwilling to lose them. So He marks them with a seal.

Now, there’s a funny time thing going on here. Chosen and predestined speaks to something that happened before we were even born. It was in the planning process. But then we are told, “you were marked in him with a seal”, “when you believed”. See that?

So it’s only when we believe that we are confirmed as being His. We were always going to be labelled but it’s only as we believe that the sharpie is applied. Or in this case, that the Spirit comes to dwell in us.

Now, people really wrestle with this. It’s a concept that messes with our understanding of free will. But think of it this way, here is why it’s good news. As we saw two days ago. And you get it again in Ephesians 2:1. If we are slaves to sin. If we are dead in our trespasses. What hope do humans have?

Well, there is hope. Because God has planned to save many. And if you trust in Jesus, that includes you! And it means that you won’t be lost. Because you are marked as God’s own. But it also means that we are God’s possessions. Bought and paid for by the blood of Christ.

For Today:

• How do you feel about being chosen by God?
• Do you think that this is good news? Why/why not?
• What does it mean to be God’s paid for possession today?

Pray:
Praise the Father that He chose us before the foundation of the world. Give thanks that Jesus came to find and rescue those whom God has chosen. Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help us draw confidence from God’s predestination.