In Him...

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

In Him...

Date: Aug. 18, 2016

Passage

Ephesians 1:7-14 (ESV)

7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Christ, things in heaven and things on earth in him.

11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 1:7

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,

First, redeemed by grace for a purpose (7-10). We have every spiritual blessing in Christ. This includes redemption through his blood and forgiveness of our sins. This is in accordance to the riches of God's grace lavished on us. He did so to make known to us the mystery of his will - what he purposed in Christ - to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. We are saved to participate in the process of bringing unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.

Second, for the praise of his glory (11-14). God intends for all in Christ to be for the praise of his glory. He is working out this plan of world redemption according to his will through us, who put our faith in Christ. All who believe this gospel are marked in him with a seal, the Holy Spirit. The world can be dark and times hard, but in him we have this deposit that guarantees our inheritance. As we await its fulfillment, we live in him for the praise of his glory.

Prayer: Father, thank you for including me in Christ, to live for the praise of your glory.

One Word: bring unity to all things under Christ

God’s Wrath and Justice

Revelation 6:1-17

Key Verse: 6:17

for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”

Today's Question

What does God require from us to escape His anger and curse, which we deserve for our sin?

See answer and references