Ephesians 1: 7-10

(Happy Valentines Day)

Relax, Read and Reflect.

Dear God, Open my heart and open my mind, and help me learn. G-F-W. Amen.

Ephesians 1:7-10

(7) In him we have the redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace (8) that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. (9) And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ,(10)to put into effect when the times have reached their fulfillment- to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.(NIV)

Wow, what a run-on sentence. Remember; this is Paul's personal correspondence with the church. Here, he is teaching the early Christians about the importance of Christ's death,(the blood.) His death brings redemption and forgiveness. Redemption means to buy, to gain freedom. Through Jesus's death(blood) we are given freedom from sin. In the Old Testament forgiveness was given with a blood sacrifice. Now we are forgiven on the basis of Jesus shedding blood, a perfect and final sacrifice.

God's grace (verse eight) is given to those he saves. We have done nothing to deserve it, and we will never earn it. It comes through God's mercy and love. Without it-no one can be saved, but it is available to all. To receive it, we must understand that we can not save ourselves, only God can save. We can only be saved through faith in Christ.

Is God's plan for his children a secret? No, but that plan could not be totally understood until Christ rose from the dead. God sent Jesus to unite us all, gentile and Jew into one body with Christ as the head. A lot of us still don't understand God's plan, but when the time is right (verse 10) he will bring us together to be with him forever. Then, we will all understand. How Cool is that?

Remember, we are saved because of the death and resurrection of Christ, not because of anything we do. God's love is so complete that his grace is there for everybody!!! We may not know all of God's plan for man, but we know what he has done for us so far. For that, we need to always be joyful and thankful. Do you want there to be more joy in the world? Help some one receive God's grace.

Prayer-Lord, Thank you for your love and your grace. I don't deserve it , but I will accept it. Help me give that gift to others. Go-Fight-Win. Amen

Things to do today:

Read Ephesians 1:11-14 before tomorrow.

Be excited that God has given His son to save you.

Remember to share His grace with others.