God has now revealed to us His mysterious plan regarding Christ, a plan to fulfill His own good pleasure. And this is the plan: At the right time He will bring everything together under the authority of Christ- everything in heaven and on earth. Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for He chose us in advance, and He makes everything work out according to His plan.Ephesians 1:9-11 (NLT)
This week we observe Holy Week. The week preceding Easter- Palm Sunday to Holy Saturday- which focuses on the events of Jesus' last days on earth.
This week symbolizes the culmination of the redemptive measure of God's grace towards us. The ultimate sacrifice.... the purchase of our freedom.... the bloodshed of His Son.... the Cross!
God's grace towards us began in Heaven even before the world was made (Ephesians 1:4). He chose us to be a part of His family....holy and faultless....through His Son Jesus Christ.
God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave Him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace He has poured out on us who belong to His dear Son.
Ephesians 1:5-6 (NLT)
God's plan is an eternal plan in which we are participants. God.... the Sacrifice.... His Son.... Jesus Christ..... the Blood....the Purchase....Us....the Believer....our Faith....the Inheritance. This plan will be brought to fullness one day when we are united with Christ in Heaven.
God has provided all we -His chosen people- need to receive our inheritance as His children. He gave His Son. All He requires of us is that we believe! (John 3:16)
The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.
God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made Him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; He made us pure and holy, and He freed us from sin.
1 Corinthians 1:18, 30 (NLT)
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love. Thank You for Your redemptive plan through Your Son Jesus Christ that frees us from a life of sin. In Jesus' Name. AMEN!
