Praising God for His Spiritual Blessings
God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. These blessings are reserved specifically for those who believe in Christ’s death, resurrection, and ascension and are united with him through faith. This union with Christ is the most important aspect of our spiritual lives, as it is the basis of our blessings.
Chosen for Holiness
God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him. This election was not based on human merits but on God’s sovereign purpose. The purpose of this election is that we should be holy and blameless before him, and God desires not only to forgive our sins but also to conform us to the image of his beloved Son.
Adopted into God’s Family
God’s choice of his people is related to their being predestined to be adopted into his family. This adoption is made possible through the finished work of Christ, and believers are given the full status of sons and daughters, becoming heirs of God’s estate. The realization of this intimate relationship is possible only through Jesus Christ, who provides access to the Father.
Redeemed through Christ’s Blood
God has redeemed us through the blood of Christ, providing forgiveness for our trespasses. This redemption is accompanied by the forgiveness of our sins, which is a fulfillment of the new exodus prophesied in the Old Testament. Behind God’s work of redemption is his abundant grace, which he has lavished upon his people.
Revealing God’s Mystery
God has revealed his mystery, which involves uniting all things in Christ. This plan was set forth in Christ, and God has made known his purposes to us through the gospel. The manner in which God bestows his grace is in all wisdom and insight, and his plan is to unite all things in Christ.
Inheriting God’s Promises
Believers have obtained an inheritance in Christ, which is both present and future. This inheritance is according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will. The comfort to believers is that, while we were sinners and his enemies, God delighted to choose a people for himself.
Sealed with the Holy Spirit
God has sealed believers with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance. The presence of God’s Spirit will not be undone but will endure until we acquire possession of our inheritance. The result of God’s favor on his people should lead to praise: “to the praise of his glory.”
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