Ephesians 1:1-3

Ephesians 1:1-3 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. These verses are chocked full of interesting things. First, Paul reminds us that this whole apostle thing was not his idea, it was God’s. God is the One Who called Paul to be an apostle, he didn’t choose it for himself. Next we see that all of the Christians are called saints. Saints are not selected by a pope or a group of cardinals, all of us Christians are saints. How does Saint Willem sound? Or Saint Mary Kate or Saint Sophie? Or how about Saint Marmie? Ha, ha! That’s a good one! And thirdly, Paul reminds us that God has given us His wonderful grace and peace. Once we have made peace with God, at the same time we are granted His wonderful grace. Grace is God’s undeserved favor. God loves us because He chooses to love us, not because we are worthy of His love. How wonderful! And how did we receive God’s grace? Through the death, burial, and resurrection of His own dear Son, Jesus Christ. Do you remember the GRACE acrostic? God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. We have God’s grace guaranteed in heaven because of Jesus. What a wonderful thought. I am thrilled at the blessed hope of heaven! Are you?!