Today, we conclude our series on ‘Understanding the Life of Faith and Grace’ by exploring the truth about predestination and the resulting responsibility we have as believers to appropriate the blessings God has already provided. Most people prefer a gospel that ministers that God is still yet to do something, because it absolves them of the responsibility of using their faith to appropriate the abundant blessings God has already made available. They prefer to wallow in the pity and false self comfort, that someone outside of themselves will change their situation. However, in his letter to the church in Ephesus, Apostle Paul brings a profound perspective, teaching us that the Christian journey is about discovering the blessings God has already made available through grace. He writes, ‘Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly places in Christ’ (Ephesians 1:3). Church, it is essential for us to understand that God has already blessed us in Christ. When we grasp this truth, we recognize that we too have a role to play in experiencing these blessings. This understanding prompts us to delve into the Scriptures to discover the principles we need to apply in order to lay hold of His promises for us. Therefore, let us continue meditating on the Word until we are fully convinced of the promises that lie therein, and walk confidently in that truth.
In addition to blessing us in Christ, God ‘chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love’ (Ephesians 1:4). This scripture is profound because it shows us that when God chose Jesus Christ, He also chose anyone who accepts Him as Lord and Saviour. When we accept Jesus, God views us in the same light as He views His Son – holy and blameless, not through our own efforts, but through Him. Unfortunately, some have misinterpreted this to mean that God has predestined certain individuals to Heaven or Hell, and since they believe their fate is already sealed, they question the need for righteous living or evangelism. However, Scripture tells us that while God desires all to come to repentance, He respects our free will to choose Him. God desires everyone to repent, but He does not – and will never – override our free will. This is evident throughout the Bible, such as in Genesis 22:12, where God tested Abraham’s faith by asking him to sacrifice his son. Abraham chose obedience, yet before he could act, the Lord intervened, saying, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” Yes, our God has the ability to know all things, but there are things in His wisdom He has chosen not to know, for the sake of our relationship with Him!
Ephesians 1:5-6 declares that God ‘predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.’ Saints, we have been adopted into the heavenly family, not by our own works, but according to the good pleasure of His will. We have a divine privilege that calls us to walk in the understanding of the rights and benefits bestowed upon us. So, let us not walk as ones who are disadvantaged, no! Let us recognize that in Him, we have ‘redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace’ (Ephesians 1:7) – this is a reality and truth that we must simply accept. The same cross that represents forgiveness also granted us access to healing, redemption, prosperity, and so much more. To fully embrace one aspect is to walk in the truth and light of all the benefits it made available to us through faith. The Lord rejoices to see us embrace these truths; He rejoices over us with gladness and singing (Zephaniah 3:17). Therefore, let us meditate on the Word, allowing it to convince us of this reality, confessing it boldly, and walking confidently in its light.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the abundant blessings You have provided for us through Christ. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for reminding us of this truth daily and empowering us to exercise our faith to lay hold of these blessings. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
