INCLUDED IN CHRIST
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will... And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation.
Ephesians 1:11,13a (NIV)
I transferred to a new, private, wealthy high school in tenth grade. Many of the students had gone to school together since first grade, and I was the outsider. Ever felt like that? Maybe it was at a new school, a new job or even a new church. We all want to know that we belong.
That's exactly what Paul is emphasizing in these verses.
Notice that he speaks to two groups. First, he says we who were the first to put our hope in Christ. Paul is likely referring to the first Jewish believers who embraced Jesus as the Messiah. Then he turns to the Ephesian believers and says, And you also... Those little words are packed with meaning.
For centuries, God's chosen, covenant people had been identified primarily with Israel. Many Gentiles felt far from God and outside His promises. But through Jesus Christ, God's plan was revealed. Gentiles were no longer outsiders. They, too, could become full members of God's family.
How? Paul gives a simple answer. They heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and they believed. Through faith in Christ, they were included in all that God had promised.
This has always been God's plan. Paul says God works everything according to His purpose. The mystery revealed in Christ is that salvation is available to everyone who believes. As Paul wrote elsewhere, the Gospel is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile (Romans 1:16).
The same is true today. God does not accept us because of our family background, nationality, accomplishments or religious heritage. We're included because of Jesus Christ. When we place our faith in Him, we become part of God's family and share in all the blessings that belong to those who are in Christ.
If you have trusted Christ, you are not an outsider. You belong.
Application: Thank God for making a place for you in His family through Jesus Christ. Ask Him to help you welcome others with the same grace He's shown you.
Prayer: Father, thank You that Your plan of salvation includes all who place their faith in Jesus. Thank You for welcoming me into Your family. Help me live with gratitude and extend that same welcome to others. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?