What we say
A large percentage of the American (even the world) population claims to be Christian. It is a term that is only used in the New Testament 3 times. The rest of the time those who are said to be following Christ are called “disciples,” “fellow-heirs,” “saints” (not the ones from N.O.). What does it mean for us to name ourselves with Christ? As a Christian that is what we say, “I am named with Christ.”
God used the hand of Paul to the Ephesians to make some clear points to make sure we know what He did, how He did it, and why.
Ephesians 1:7 answers “Who, What, Where, How”
Who: “In Him”–Christ–all things start and end with God and God’s means of reaching, loving and saving (redeeming) man is done through Christ. Christ is the focal point of scripture, the only human to live above human depravity, and the only God (little g or big G) to sacrifice Himself to save (redeem) humans.
What: “Redemption…the forgiveness of sins” I didn’t join some group of people trying to convince God that we are worthy of affection. I was sold in slavery by my own brokenness–out of control. I was destined to do one thing: live my entire life slaving for something that would never reward me, benefit me, love me, protect me, or even spare my life. I would die a slave to an unrelenting, unforgiving master. But I was bought off the trading block. I was…REDEEMED. The One who bought me bought my freedom and I am His. And I am now His slave, but His chains are freedom and love. And the work I do for Him is beneficial to Him and me.
Where: “through His blood”–Since sin came into the world and all sin (Rom. 5:12), and from the first life ever taken on behalf of humans (Gen. 3:21), death would always follow sin. Mankind was hopeless unless someone could be righteous enough to redeem the human race and be its new “Adam.” Christ’s life was just that. And His blood is the ONLY sacrifice acceptable to God. Through it, we have the redemption.
How: “in accordance with the riches of God’s grace”–grace is not to the smarter, wiser or most spiritually-prone. Grace is just that–granted. God, who needed nothing to be complete, made mankind in His image (like Him–emotions, will, etc.), saw man sin against Him and turn from Him. And yet because of the character–including the love–of God, out of His own grace, brought redemption to man through the death of His own Son and sacrifice (Gen. 22:8; Ps. 98:1; Is. 63:5). He did it. And we are the recipients.
Verses 5 and 6 answers “Why”
Why: “in accordance with His pleasure and will–to the praise of His glorious grace.” All of this is for His own pleasure and to the praise of His grace. All things that God does ultimately return to Himself. He does all things to bring Himself glory and pleasure–He must!! He is the Most High so all things must be geared toward Him. If He gives grace to humans it brings glory to Him, but are humans not better off for it? If He takes unrighteous people and redeems them and begins to bring righteousness to them, does He not display His power and might and cause people to be in awe of Him? Yes! But the best thing that could happen to us is that God would bring righteousness to us!
Verses 4 and 5 handle the “When”:
When: “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.”–It was always part of God’s plan to have Christ be the means by which God would bring us redemption and be adopted into His family. Not only that, but we are also said to be chosen “to be holy and blameless in his sight.”
What God says
There is so much more to “being a Christian” than claiming a certain “religion” or attending services at a Christian church. In fact, we understand in Scripture that being a Christian has VERY LITTLE to do with us. It is “IN HIM.”
