Welcome to our new sermon series, Ephesians: Alive and Aligned, where we journey through the book of Ephesians to uncover the treasures of our faith in Christ. In this opening message, Pastor Léveillé takes us through Ephesians 1:1-14, a passage that bursts with praise for the unimaginable wealth believers have in Jesus. This isn’t about material riches but the eternal, unshakeable blessings secured through Christ’s work. From being chosen and accepted to receiving redemption and an eternal inheritance, this passage reminds us of our secure position in God’s family, sealed by the Holy Spirit. Let’s dive into the spiritual riches that transform how we live and think.
Chosen and Accepted in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-6)
The Apostle Paul opens Ephesians with a doxology, a glorious declaration of God’s praise, highlighting the spiritual blessings we have in Christ. As Ephesians 1:3-6 states in the King James Version, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” These verses reveal that God chose, before the world began, that those who are in Christ would be holy, blameless, and adopted as His children. This isn’t about God arbitrarily selecting individuals but about His plan that all who trust in Christ receive these blessings. The moment you place your faith in Jesus, you are accepted in the beloved, welcomed into God’s family with the intimacy of calling Him “Abba, Father.” Like the prodigal son embraced by his father in Luke 15:20, God runs to you with compassion, ensuring you are never rejected but fully accepted through Christ.
Redeemed and Given an Eternal Inheritance in Christ (Ephesians 1:7-12)
Paul continues to unveil the riches of our salvation, declaring in Ephesians 1:7-12, “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.” Redemption means Jesus paid the price to free us from sin’s slavery through His blood, granting us complete forgiveness. This forgiveness is not earned but given freely by God’s grace, meaning we owe nothing for our sins. Furthermore, believers receive an eternal inheritance, a share in God’s kingdom where heaven and earth will one day be united in Christ. This inheritance isn’t just a future hope; it gives purpose to our lives now, as we live for God’s glory, confident in His eternal plan.
You Can Be Sealed and Secured by the Holy Spirit in Christ (Ephesians 1:13-14)
The climax of this passage assures us of our security in Christ. Ephesians 1:13-14 declares, “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye 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.” The process is clear: you hear the gospel, believe in Christ, and are sealed by the Holy Spirit, a guarantee of your inheritance. This seal is like a confirmation code for a flight, ensuring your place is secure. Unlike earthly possessions that can be lost, your salvation is kept safe in Christ. You don’t earn it, nor do you maintain it; Jesus paid for it, and God secures it. This truth frees us from fear, allowing us to live with confidence, knowing our sins are forgiven, our adoption is certain, and our inheritance is eternal.
Conclusion
Ephesians 1:1-14 is a vault of heavenly riches, revealing that in Christ, we are chosen, accepted, redeemed, forgiven, and sealed by the Holy Spirit. These blessings are not future promises alone but realities we possess now, transforming our priorities and passions. If you’ve trusted Christ, walk in the confidence of being accepted in the beloved, free from the burden of earning God’s favour. If you haven’t yet believed, the invitation is open: hear the gospel, believe in Jesus, and receive these unimaginable riches. May we leave today grateful, living as those who know they are wealthy in Jesus Christ, secure in His eternal plan.
