The book of Ephesians opens up with some amazing and profound truths. If you and I could really grasp them and really believe them for ourselves I believe it would revolutionize our relationship with God.
-We are chosen-Ephesians 1:4
Ephesians 1:4 says that God chose us before the foundations of the world. That means that before the earth was created He had us in mind. We were the intention of God's heart when He put into motion the great plan of redemption that would require the sacrifice of His Son.
-We are adopted-Ephesians 1:5
At the legal adoption ceremonies for our two oldest grandchildren, the reality of what it meant to be adopted by God was made clear to me. The judge read a declaration stating the legal date of the adoption, and then decreed that the child, using their new legal name, was now and forever the legal child of the adoptive parents, our daughter and son-in-law. When we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior I believe that in heaven a declaration of our adoption into God's family is made, then all of heaven rejoices! The amazing thing is that God had no need, lack, or incompleteness that prompted Him to adopt us. In the Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit there was perfect love, perfect fellowship, perfect companionship, prefect unity, perfect relationship. Need did not drive Him to adopt us, but love did. God loved us, and chose us to be adopted into His family.
-We are accepted-Ephesians 1:6
Perhaps you've read or heard a sad story of an adoption gone wrong. A child can be legally adopted but still not be fully accepted into the family. But God wanted it recorded in His Word that we are not just adopted but fully accepted. This is an especially powerful and important truth for those who struggle with trying to perform or to earn God's acceptance. The truth is that the Father loves you every bit as much as He loves His Son, Jesus! No matter how unworthy you feel of that kind of love, the fact is that Jesus, Who is worthy, covers us with His worth and righteousness when we accept Him. Thomas Brooks said, "God has made us His favorites...Through the blood of Christ we are lovely and beautiful in God's eyes." Charles Spurgeon explained that accepted means that we are the objects of God's divine satisfaction and divine delight.
All of us have experienced not fitting in, experienced not being accepted, experienced rejection. Sometimes, we don't like or accept ourselves. To fully know and receive the truth of God's love and acceptance of us is a powerful key to healing of both self rejection and the hurts we receive from others. You are Chosen. Adopted. Accepted. Believe it and receive it!
still following,
How powerful to have had the experience of adoption impact your view of us being adopted in God's family. I am always grateful for those types of examples that God inserts into our lives. I am chosen, adopted, accepted, and grateful!
ReplyDeleteMe, too!
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