Reading Through The New Testament In 2016. Day 168. Ephesians 1

I was a pauper, a beggar, not of royal birth, not deserving of any special treatment. Until the day I was adopted by the King, treated like his own son and given all the blessings of a prince.

This is how Paul beings the book of Ephesians. Here’s 3-5

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—

All the blessings that Christ deserves, God gives to us — through Christ.

We are adopted.

We are forgiven.

We are seen as blameless and holy.

He shares with us his mysteries.

Why do we see ourselves as down in the dumps when God has lifted us up into the heavens in Christ?

When the pauper is adopted into the Kingdom and given the name son or daughter, his/her life will never be the same. They have a new name, a new life, and a new Father.

As do we.

So, no matter how you feel this morning about yourself here’s the truth of the gospel: You’re being blessed with all the blessings possible in Christ. Open wide, in this moment, to receive the blessings from heaven; you’re forgiven, loved, and adopted.