Reading in the New Testament provides a breath of fresh air for me. The story of the kings was growing tedious with the judgments and problems coming on Judah toward the end.
Ephesians opens with outstanding truths…
Some of my friends complain that my sentences are often run-on sentences. That may be fair and true but Paul was a master of the complex sentence. The NIV and other translations make him more easily readable.
Did you know that verses 3 to 14 is one sentence. I have placed the NIV translation below. I didn’t change the NIV’s punctuation. Be that as it may, I invite you to read this incredible statement of Paul, understanding it as one continuous sentence…
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. 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 (3-14).
I am breathless reading this… we were chosen before creation to be adopted as sons, heirs of the promise, to receive every spiritual blessing. Oh ,my, and this is just the start of Paul’s amazing word.
I went back and read it again…I cannot possibly absorb all of what he and the Lord are saying in these words. We are marked and sealed by God the Spirit. Our redemption is guaranteed by the Spirit. I soak some more, overwhelmed by God’s blessings.
Lord, Your Word blesses me. I feel so honored and loved. I am amazed by Your grace and love. I bless You and pray to You in Jesus’ name. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment