Word@Work Eph17 - Ephesians 2:6-7
Published: Mon, 10/20/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
ASTONISHING BONUS
Read Ephesians 2:6-7 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
The resurrection of Christ was amazing, but that was only the beginning! Not only does it provide hope of our resurrection on the day that Jesus returns; but we have already been raised! Although we still have our old bodies, and alas, our old sinful natures, God has already transplanted us from the world of the spiritually dead (where Satan rules), to His Kingdom. That is how we are able to respond to Him and to enjoy His company. Already we have our own special place in His family. Without being given that privilege, we could never have the confidence to come to Him as our Father, in prayer or praise.
And that is not all! One day we will have new sinless bodies with which to enjoy His presence. Many have asked, "What will we do"? A better question is, "What will He do"?! Verse 7 says that God will display the evidence of His rich grace ... and it is us that God will exhibit. We will all be amazed at what Christ has achieved. We will see how astonishingly kind God has been to us; and that it has all been made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Today, at work, we may not feel any different from our unbelieving colleagues: but we are! Through faith in Jesus, we are spiritually alive, we have a place in the family of God; and we are living with an eternal perspective. The benefits of our salvation are not just for heaven, but are real today. So, start the day by giving thanks, and take a moment to realise just how special you are, because God has chosen to be astonishingly kind to you.
Prayer: Father God. Thank you for this reminder of Your kindness, making me to part of Your kingdom. Help me to revel in Your goodness and to appreciate the privilege You have given me, so that I may work with a fresh confidence that I am special to You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and Spanish
The resurrection of Christ was amazing, but that was only the beginning! Not only does it provide hope of our resurrection on the day that Jesus returns; but we have already been raised! Although we still have our old bodies, and alas, our old sinful natures, God has already transplanted us from the world of the spiritually dead (where Satan rules), to His Kingdom. That is how we are able to respond to Him and to enjoy His company. Already we have our own special place in His family. Without being given that privilege, we could never have the confidence to come to Him as our Father, in prayer or praise.
And that is not all! One day we will have new sinless bodies with which to enjoy His presence. Many have asked, "What will we do"? A better question is, "What will He do"?! Verse 7 says that God will display the evidence of His rich grace ... and it is us that God will exhibit. We will all be amazed at what Christ has achieved. We will see how astonishingly kind God has been to us; and that it has all been made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Today, at work, we may not feel any different from our unbelieving colleagues: but we are! Through faith in Jesus, we are spiritually alive, we have a place in the family of God; and we are living with an eternal perspective. The benefits of our salvation are not just for heaven, but are real today. So, start the day by giving thanks, and take a moment to realise just how special you are, because God has chosen to be astonishingly kind to you.
Prayer: Father God. Thank you for this reminder of Your kindness, making me to part of Your kingdom. Help me to revel in Your goodness and to appreciate the privilege You have given me, so that I may work with a fresh confidence that I am special to You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Why not share Word@Work with your friends - they can subscribe at http://www.beaconlight.co.uk/email!
If you value your free Word@Work - an occasional donation will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
If you value your free Word@Work - an occasional donation will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
W@WEph17 | Word@Work © Dr Paul Adams 2008 | Provided by BeaconLight
Contact us at wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk
Your next Word@Work will be sent on