A Word for Today | Ephesians 1:13 When John Bunyan’s Christian arrived at the gates of the Celestial City, in Pilgrim’s Progress, he presented a certificate he had received when he trusted the gospel and was forgiven his sins. The document was carried to the King, who inspected it for authenticity. When it was approved, […]
The Glorious Plan of God
A Word for Today | Ephesians 1:11 One of the Bible’s most striking descriptions of God is that of the potter with his clay. Jeremiah was shown a potter shaping the clay on his wheel, working it as “seemed good to [him] to do” (Jer. 18:4). God explained, “O house of Israel, can I not […]
Redeemed and Forgiven
A Word for Today | Ephesians 1:7 As Paul’s hymn of praise to the Trinity enters its second section (you can read the first here), we advance from eternity into history. God the Father chose us in Jesus Christ, adopting us as children, before there was any time. Now Paul sings his praise to God […]
Predestined as Sons
A Word for Today | Ephesians 1:5 Ephesians begins with Paul’s grand hymn to the grace of the Triune God, working out God’s grace to us through the sovereign work of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He opens with the grace of the Father, which centers on Him ordaining the salvation of His elect. […]
Chosen in Christ
A Word for Today | Ephesians 1:4 When I was ministering in the city of Philadelphia, some very large construction projects took place there. As I occasionally passed by these sites I noticed how much work went on before anything could be seen at level ground. Particularly with very tall buildings, a great deal of […]
Blessed by Divine Love
A Word for Today | Ephesians 1:3 I love the opening statement of Paul’s message in Ephesians: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (Eph. 1:3). Here, Paul tells us the source of our blessing. Hugh Martin […]
