Ephesians 1.9-14

9 "God has now revealed to us his mysterious plan regarding Christ, a plan to fulfill his own good pleasure. 10 And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth. 11 Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.

12 God’s purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God. 13 And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. 14 The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him."

(Want a Different Translation? Click Here!)

This is so awesome! So much is coming to mind right now, just after reading the first sentence. The plan of salvation that Christ came to fulfill and implement, was a mystery up until this time! Other places in Scripture talk about how the Old Testament patriarchs and prophets spoke about something that they didn't see or quite understand, BECAUSE IT WAS A MYSTERY! We today have the honor and privilege to KNOW that mystery! I'm reminded a little of just how much discovering a mystery means to us human beings. Think about it. Thomas Edison, when he 'discovered' the 'mystery' of the light bulb. How about Ben Franklin and stumbling across the 'mystery' of electricity. Being reconciled back to God, in a lasting way, was a mystery for a very long time! Upon Jesus' death and resurrection, when He began His church, the mystery was revealed! Paul then outlines the plan, aka, the GOSPEL. What I love about this passage too, is that it takes on a futuristic feel at the same time! Salvation isn't a 'one-time-thing.' Salvation is a past, present, and future thing. You were saved, you are currently being saved, and you will be saved! An integral part of this mystery is the fact that God is bringing everything back together, in Christ! 

Now verse 11 can cause a little of an issue for some people. One possible way of reading this  is just as a reformed camp might read it, that we were chosen beforehand to be saved. But let me present to you another, possible way of reading this. Let me breakdown the verse.

IT IS BECAUSE --> we are united with Christ

                                                          THAT  --> we received an inheritance from Him

WE RECEIVED THIS INHERITANCE BECAUSE WE BELONG TO THE PEOPLE THAT GOD CHOSE IN ADVANCE...

What people did God choose in advance? He chose those who would belong to Christ, be united with Christ! Essentially, any who unite themselves with Christ, who are united with Christ, etc, will be a part of God's chosen people. Then Paul ends with a comforting, kind of paraphrase of Romans 8.28: He makes everything to work out according to His plan.

Verses 12-14 is where Paul talks about the 'evolution' of salvation history, how one becomes a part of God's chosen people united with Christ, and the results of being united with Christ. Every person who belongs to Jesus, has the Holy Spirit inside of him/her. This is an AWESOME fact! Not only does the Holy Spirit guide us and empower us to live lives holy and pleasing to God, but He also serves as a seal, guaranteeing that we do in fact belong to God and that we will inherit the inheritance that is awaiting us! What do you guys think about all of this!?! How sweet is this section of Ephesians?!? Can you believe it's only the first 14 VERSES!?!?! Lol. =)

"Father in Heaven, I pray that You would grant us understanding. I pray that where we lack wisdom, You would grant it, that where we need guidance, You would lead. God thank You for revealing the mystery of Your plan for saving us! We don't do anything that deserves Your love and grace, yet You give it anyway. I am EXTREMELY grateful and I pray that I would never take advantage of that and forsake You! Father forgive us when we fail, and grant us the peace to get back up and continue running the race, seeking after You every step of the way! It's in Jesus name that I pray, amen!"