Read Ephesians 1 and 2. If you have the time, read both chapters more than once. When I did I noticed the phrase "according to" really started to stand out. Check out these lists below. (Again if you didn't read it for yourself first, STOP and READ IT before continuing.
From Ephesians 1 "According to
The good pleasure of His will"
The riches of His grace"
His good pleasure"
The purpose of Him"
The counsel of His will"
The working of His mighty power"
From Ephesians 2 "according to
The course of this world"
The prince of the power of the air"
The lust of our flesh"
The desires of flesh and mind"
What does this mean?
The more I meditated on these phrases, the more it seems they are pictures of who we are controlled by. Once we were controlled by the list in Ephesians 2. But God intervened. He has a plan and we are part of it. Now we, who believe, are Spirit-led by God Himself. Ephesians 1 list seems like a reminder of who it's all for and who is really in control.
Which of these two lists best represents you?
If the second list presently reflects you, would you like list one to represent you instead?
All it takes is a decision to believe what God said. Believe in His Son Jesus, who He sent to save us. He died on a cross to pay for your sin and mine. God is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Well, if you're still undecided maybe call out to God like the father in Mark 9:24 did, "Lord I believe; help my unbelief!"
Recognize we all sin (Romans 3:23).
Acknowledge Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9).
Become a child of God who is adopted into the family of God through faith in Christ (1 John 3:1, Ephesians 1:5).
Salvation is a gift of God no one can earn it or boast about it, because it is God's doing. Our part is to receive the gift and open it to experience the joy of His Salvation.
Lord Jesus, we believe we are sinners and need your saving grace. Help us accept your gift of Salvation. Help our unbelief. Forgive us and make us new creations in you. We pray these things in your name and you said the Father will give us whatever we ask according to His will in your name. Amen.
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