Week 4 | Day 1
THE BLESSING OF JESUS
Ephesians 1:1-14
In Ephesians 1, Paul unfolds the breathtaking scope of our salvation as the work of the Triune God. We learn that salvation and redemption was planned by the Father before the foundation of the world—to be purchased by Jesus who through His blood purchased all who would believe into adoption according to His loving purpose—to be sealed by the Holy Spirit so that one’s salvation is preserved by this amazing grace. None of this is a reaction to human effort but of God’s sovereign plan to extend grace to all of humanity who is still culpable to believe in response to the initiative of God.
Thus, this salvation isn’t applied automatically. Paul explains that after hearing the word of truth—the gospel—believers have to respond with faith to the convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit who works to draw all people to God’s saving grace. And should a person believe and receive this free gift of God, the Holy Spirit will preserve what the Father planned and the Son accomplished. Salvation is entirely of grace from beginning to end, yet it must be received by faith. We don’t earn it; we believe it. The gospel invites us to trust and receive what God has freely provided.
Thus, this salvation isn’t applied automatically. Paul explains that after hearing the word of truth—the gospel—believers have to respond with faith to the convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit who works to draw all people to God’s saving grace. And should a person believe and receive this free gift of God, the Holy Spirit will preserve what the Father planned and the Son accomplished. Salvation is entirely of grace from beginning to end, yet it must be received by faith. We don’t earn it; we believe it. The gospel invites us to trust and receive what God has freely provided.
Application
Rest in the Father’s Sovereign Plan
Our salvation began in God’s heart before it appeared in our lives. Confidence grows when we remember that redemption was God’s initiative, not our invention. All we can do is respond by faith to God’s gift of grace and mercy.
Trust Fully in the Finished Work of Jesus on the Cross
Christ gave Himself to accomplish what we couldn’t acquire on our own. Faith relies solely on His sacrifice on the cross and the empty tomb rather than our performance. Grace can’t be earned but only received by faith.
Depend on the Spirit’s Preserving Power
The Holy Spirit anchors us in the truth of the gospel. He sustains the faith that He awakened through the conviction He provides to God’s mercy.
Receive Grace through Faith
Salvation isn’t only how you begin but how you continue. Believing God’s promise keeps our hearts aligned with His grace. We are saved by grace and we continue in grace.
Guard Against Drifting Toward Self-reliance
Even subtle shifts toward works can distort the gospel. Stay rooted in the simplicity of trusting Christ alone. For by grace we are saved through faith—and that not of ourselves.
Our salvation began in God’s heart before it appeared in our lives. Confidence grows when we remember that redemption was God’s initiative, not our invention. All we can do is respond by faith to God’s gift of grace and mercy.
Trust Fully in the Finished Work of Jesus on the Cross
Christ gave Himself to accomplish what we couldn’t acquire on our own. Faith relies solely on His sacrifice on the cross and the empty tomb rather than our performance. Grace can’t be earned but only received by faith.
Depend on the Spirit’s Preserving Power
The Holy Spirit anchors us in the truth of the gospel. He sustains the faith that He awakened through the conviction He provides to God’s mercy.
Receive Grace through Faith
Salvation isn’t only how you begin but how you continue. Believing God’s promise keeps our hearts aligned with His grace. We are saved by grace and we continue in grace.
Guard Against Drifting Toward Self-reliance
Even subtle shifts toward works can distort the gospel. Stay rooted in the simplicity of trusting Christ alone. For by grace we are saved through faith—and that not of ourselves.
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for planning my salvation in love. Jesus, thank You for purchasing it through Your sacrifice. Holy Spirit, thank You for preserving me in truth and grace. Help me believe and receive daily what You have freely given. Keep my heart anchored in the gospel and my life shaped by Your grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.