“Well, who do you think you are?” is usually a derogatory statement rather than a legitimate question designed to put someone in “their place.” However, it is a very valid question each one of us should be asking ourselves.
To start our journey let’s look at the benefits listed in Ephesians 1:1-14 that we have simply because we are “in Him”. Actually a description of “our place” in Him and a partial picture of who we really are (we will delve more deeply into who we really are in future posts). Notice also how many times He uses the word “grace” or “good pleasure” (five times in something we can read in less than two minutes) as He heaps these benefits on any that will come to Him for salvation. It’s all about Him, His grace, His good pleasure toward His children.
vs. 1 “in Christ Jesus”
“saints and “faithful”
(I am a saint and part of the faithful in Christ Jesus)
vs. 2 “Grace”
vs. 3 “in Christ”
He “has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places”
(I am blessed beyond anything I deserve).
vs. 4 “in Him” “before Him”
He “has chosen us” to “be holy and without blame”
(I am chosen, I am holy, I am without blame)
vs .5 ” by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,”
He “predestinated us unto the adoption of children”
(I am adopted! He took a long, hard look at me and still said “I want him”).
vs. 6 “grace” “in the beloved”
“He has made us accepted”
(I am totally and unconditionally accepted by Him. Because of my position in Christ Jesus my Father accepts me as totally as He accepts His own Son).
vs. 7 “in whom” “grace”
“we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins”
(I am redeemed, I am of incredible worth to Him, I am forgiven).
vs. 8 “he has abounded toward us”
“in all wisdom and prudence”
vs. 9 “in himself” “His good pleasure”
“we can know the mystery of His will”
(I can know His will).
vs.10 “in Christ” “in Him”
“he might gather together in one all things both which are in heaven and which are on earth”
(I am part of His Body).
vs. 11 “in whom” “of Him”
“obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to His purpose”
(I am an heir of God and a joint heir with Jesus).
vs. 13-14 “in whom” (twice)
“you trusted for salvation”
“you were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”
(I am saved, sealed, and will be delivered to heaven someday). Glory, Glory, Glory, saved,sealed, delivered, I’m His!
I can’t stress enough that all these benefits are given to us at the very moment we receive Jesus as our Savior. They are nothing we work for, just a huge package of gifts on our birthday from our incredibly gracious Daddy. Enjoy.
PS. The only thing we should work for is to “work at” studying His Word to discover all the blessings He has in store for us.
Click on the Bible Studies tab for the complete study and Prayer Outlines tab for a possible prayer based on these verses.