GIFTS OF SALVATION

 

GIFTS OF SALVATION

Eph. 1:9-23

In Ephesians 1, we notice at least nine different gifts that are ours because of our salvation.

We have a promise. 9-12 God promises us that He is going to bring all things together under the lordship of Christ. Now, we are a divided people, but one day the Lord is going do away with all that divides us. We have the promise of an inheritance. We are enjoying some of what the Lord gives us now, but one day we will get all that is ours in Him. We also have the promise of the Holy Spirit. 13

We have a position. 13 When we let Jesus be our Savior, we are positioned in Christ. We become His and He becomes ours.

We have a pledge and promise. 14 God’s Spirit guarantees that we will receive all that God has promised to give us in Christ.

We have a prayer. 15-16 Prayer is an awesome gift of salvation. What a comfort and joy it is to know others pray for us. What a privilege it is to pray for others.

We have plenty. 17-18 Jesus came to not only have life, He came to give us an abundant life. John 10:10 The abundant life Jesus gives is the fullness of Christ’s life in us. It is not measured by our wealth or health. It is the joys of salvation being developed and lived out in us.

We have power in Christ. 19 There is no greater power in existence than the power of Christ in us. He is the creator and sustainer of the universe. Col. 1:18-23. There is nothing that can separate us from His love. Rom. 8:31-38 We have in Christ overcoming power. I John 3

We have a potentate. 20-22 Make no mistake about it, Jesus is Lord of the church. Many pastors act like they are the CEO of their church, but Jesus is the head of the church. Jesus has not retired as the Lord of His church. He has not surrendered His lordship to anyone. Jesus is Lord. He does not co-pastor His church. He needs no advice on how to rule over the church. He is Lord. He rules over all that He has created. God has put all things under His authority. Jesus is Lord and there is no other.

We have a partnership. 23 We, the church, is His body on earth. We are His hands and feet. We are His voice on earth. We are the living presence of Christ on earth.

Oh, what a wondrous and mysterious gift is our salvation! Oh, the joys of being saved from our sins! Feast on the riches of our salvation and let your soul be blessed.