Read Ephesians 1:1-10

Join us as we explore Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus. The book of Ephesians is a grand yet concise summary of the good news of the Christian gospel, followed by practical exhortations for living out this faith in the midst of everyday life in church, community, and family.

Read Ephesians 1:1-10

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,

To God's holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship 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. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.

Reflect

Paul begins his letter by reminding his readers exactly when God chose to forgive and redeem them: not after they had done some work for him or improved themselves, but "before the creation of the world." Does this coincide with your understanding of God's salvation?

Respond

Ask God for an understanding of what it means to be adopted as his child. Take time to thank and praise him for "the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us," which he has "freely given us in the One he loves," Jesus Christ.