Read Ephesians 1:4-14 NIV
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.
The phrase “In Christ”, or a variation of that phrase, appears in the book of Ephesians roughly 35 times! In Christ, Paul reminds us that we are blessed, chosen, adopted, forgiven, redeemed, lavished in grace, united, and sealed for heaven…just to name a few! Each declaration is a beautiful reminder of who we are…who God says we are. But we cannot get around the phrase that qualifies each one – “In Christ.” Without Jesus, none of those amazing descriptions of the ways God shows His love to us would be possible. We are offered this new life filled with grace and wonder, and expressions of love beyond our comprehension! By repeating the phrase “In Christ” over and over, Paul wants to ensure that we understand that everything about this new life begins with Jesus.
Take some time today to go back through the book of Ephesians and note all the places where Paul reminds us of what is given to us in Jesus…because of Jesus. Then spend some time in prayer, thanking God for the gift we have in Jesus and His love and sacrifice for us.
