“For God chose us in Christ before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.” (Ephesians 1:4-5)
Do you know who you are to God when you put your trust in Christ and because of what Jesus did for you? It’s amazing, jaw-dropping, eye-popping, wonder-filled good news. You are:
Chosen. You’re hand-picked. Not rejected, but selected. You’re wanted by God… Pursued. Included. Accepted. Made a part of what He is doing. Never to be tossed aside or forgotten.
And when did this happen? Before you ever did anything right or wrong. It’s not based on your behavior or strength or loveliness. You can’t work hard to achieve God’s choosing of you. You’ve not earned your status before him.
And what is his assessment of you? You’re blameless and radiating godliness in his eyes. No mar. No spot. No blemishes. Absolved of wrong. Acquitted of guilt. Exonerated of all wrong doing. And clean. So clean and pure and whole.
You are loved. He’s committed to you and your good every day, every moment, all the time. His eyes are on you… not waiting to catch you slipping up, but eager to cheer you on and help you along. He’s intentionally working good for you no matter the cost to himself.
You have been anticipated and adopted into the family. He’s not surprised by anything. He knew you long ago and he will know you long from now. You are no mere servant. You’ve been made Abba’s child. Daddy’s girl. Father’s son. You’re no longer a waif, a straggler or a stranger. You’re part of his brood. You have a new identity. You’re safe. Secure. Protected.
You’re the focus of his pleasure and intentional choice. It wasn’t a whim. It’s no farce. He planned this. And He pulled it off. You don’t have to worry about him pulling the rug out from under your feet. He did this intentionally. You’ve been renamed, “God’s pleasure,” the apple of My eye,” “My delight.” He finds deep satisfaction in the fact that you’re home now.
Shout it out! Relish this news of who you are and allow your heart to become unfeignedly thankful. Be genuinely awe-inspired of God. Become lost in the wonder of it all and laugh. Weep for joy as you adore him. Worship the Lord!
You see it’s grace. Magnificent kindness. Extraordinary favor. Unlimited benevolence.
And all this love and goodness is available in Jesus Christ. He paid the price of your acceptance. The cost was his blood. He went as far as anyone could go to assure the completeness of your rescue. There is no one stronger or more capable than he. The accomplishment and the worthiness is all his. And he gives it freely to you.
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