Ephesians 1:11 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,
Paul, the author of Ephiesians, began life as Saul of Tarsus, who persecuted and murdered Christians. Yet he had a conversion on his way to Damascus which changed everything.
Ephesians 1:12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.
What strikes me in today’s verses is that even though Paul began life as Saul the murdering zealot, in verse 12, he still confidently counts himself as among “the first to put our hope in Christ”. If he can claim it, we can too, no matter what our past look like. Thank You, Jesus.
Ephesians 1:13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,
Lord, In You we are new creations. The old is gone. Thank You. Help us, as those who put our hope in You, to live lives that shine Your light and Your hope into this world. Amen.
Ephesians 1:14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
Have a blessed day.