Ephesians 1:11-14 — God's Chosen

READ THIS: Ephesians 1:11-14

11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?

God has always had a chosen group of people that He has protected and fought for. Since the book of Genesis, God promised to love and care for His chosen people, the Israelites (check out Genesis 12 if you want to learn more). Over the years, even when the people of Israel messed up and turned away from God, He fought for them and loved them anyway. No matter what, God kept a small group of chosen people, often called a "remnant," to be in His care.

During the time of this letter from Paul, many people believed that the Israelites, specifically the Jewish people, were God's only chosen people, even after Jesus came, died, and rose from the grave. Some people thought that Gentiles (anyone who wasn't Jewish) could never be God's people, but Jesus changed everything! Verse 13 gives us amazing news: from the very beginning, God chose us! YOU are included in Christ's family the moment you give your life to Him. When we ask Jesus to be our Lord, the Holy Spirit enters into our hearts and guarantees our spot in God's chosen people. You are chosen!!!

THINK ABOUT IT:

1. What does it mean to be a part of God's chosen people? How does that change the way we should act and live?

2. God demonstrates His love for His chosen people all throughout the Bible, forgiving and loving them even when they fall short. How can we show that love to others today?
 
TRY THIS:
 
If you have given your life to Jesus and asked for the Holy Spirit to come in, think about when you made that decision! Take some time to thank Jesus for giving you a guarantee into His family.

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