The sun was slowly setting over the horizon. The reds, oranges, and purples were magnificent. Our bellies were satisfied from the meal and the laughter was contagious. A cool breeze gently blew as we gathered on the deck with the Scriptures open.
We began reading…
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
As the words and ideas washed over us they filled our hearts and imaginations. We talked about the glorious grace that is lavished on God’s people. We marveled together at God’s great plan of redemption that has been in place from eternity.
In passing, I mentioned that this grace was a gift from God.
Logan, a 6th grader who is always listening, always questioning, and always perceiving asked, “Alright, alright, but what is the gift?”
That really is the question isn’t it?
It just might be the question.
The gift is, in a word, adoption.
When we place our faith in Jesus we are adopted into God’s family. We become part of this family that is chosen, loved, and forgiven. Think of it! We are wanted by God even though we have sinned against him.
By becoming a part of God’s family, by being adopted by our heavenly father, we receive “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.” What are these? They aren’t listed anywhere, but, we can know these blessings include: grace, mercy, love, forgiveness, joy, life, and peace. The Hebrew word for this would be “shalom.” Which is being made whole. The word Paul uses in Ephesians is “redemption.”
The greatest gift that we have been given is to have been adopted into God’s family. Why? Because it means that we can live as ones who are chosen, loved, and forgiven.
About the Author
Daniel Rose is a husband, dad, and pastor of The Antioch Movement in Ypsilanti, MI. He writes at The Subversive Journey and you can can connect with him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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from The Subversive Journey https://danielmrose.com/alright-alright-but-what-is-the-gift-3f457c6b1144?source=rss—-bbc765b79ec5—4
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