Ephesians 1:3-10

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love.” vss. 3-4

Paul opens his letter to the Ephesians by reminding them of their heritage. They are, he tells them, the adopted children of God, chosen in Christ from all eternity for holy and blameless living. Doubtless, he would say the same thing to us. Like the Ephesians our calling is not based on race or religion or ethnic background. It’s most certainly not related to our good looks or talent! Now we can, if we wish, debate about the mystery of our call, but there is no doubt about God’s purpose. There is nothing ambiguous about being a people set aside for a holy and blameless life that is centered on unconditional and sacrificial love. Now some might wonder how in the world we can be expected to live like this–it seems like an impossible calling. And given that we are a broken people that might appear to be a reasonable point. But there is one more thing! We are also the beneficiaries of a glorious grace that has been freely bestowed on us through Jesus. And by the riches of that grace lavished upon us we have the entire forgiveness of all of our sins. And that’s how we get to be holy and blameless people!!! It’s all grace!

Thought for the Day: How’s my holy and blameless life going?