“In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.” Ephesians 1:11-12
We who trust in Christ for forgiveness and life have an inheritance in God’s heavenly kingdom and are among those predestined by God’s gracious will to trust in Christ and to be preserved in that faith through hearing God’s Word. This brings Him praise and glory for the salvation He has so mercifully bestowed upon us in Christ Jesus, our Savior.
We thank and praise You, O God, for graciously sending Your Son to redeem us, for choosing us to be Your own, bringing us to faith in Christ Jesus, and preserving us in that faith through hearing Your Word. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the Revised 1883 Webster Version of the Bible.]
“While he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take to thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is by the Holy Spirit. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:20-21
As the angel of the Lord told Joseph, Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. Jesus is the promised Messiah and Savior, true God, the only-begotten Son of the Father, and true man, born of Mary. This occurred because Mary, Joseph’s betrothed wife, yet a virgin, was conceived by the miraculous working of the Holy Spirit and gave birth to a Son who would save His people from their sins by making atonement for the sins of all when He died on the cross.
O Holy Spirit, grant that I understand Your Word and trust that Jesus is the Son of God and the Son of man, who came into this world to redeem me from sin and death and to give me eternal life in His kingdom. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the Revised 1883 Webster Version of the Bible.]
“… Having made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him …” Ephesians 1:9-10
Through the preaching of the Gospel, God makes known to us the mystery of His will, His divine plan to save us from eternal death and damnation by sending His only-begotten Son to die for us and atone for our sins and then rise again so that we might trust in Him, be pardoned, and be gathered together in Christ’s Church and receive everlasting life — all for Jesus’ sake and through faith in Him!
Grant that I hear and believe Your saving Word, O God, and trust in Christ Jesus, my Savior. In His name, I pray. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the Revised 1883 Webster Version of the Bible.]
“… having predestinated us to the adoption of children to himself by Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, in which he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; in which he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence …” Ephesians 1:5-8
Believers praise and glorify God for graciously choosing them to be His children through faith in Jesus Christ. By His death and resurrection, Christ has provided forgiveness and acceptance before God — a gift of grace shared with us through the Gospel and received by Spirit-wrought faith in Christ Jesus as our Savior.
We thank You, dear Father, for choosing us to be Your children and bringing us to trust in Christ Jesus and His sacrifice for our sins through the preaching of the Gospel. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the Revised 1883 Webster Version of the Bible.]
“And he said to him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.” Luke 16:31
The rich man, from the torments of hell, begged Abraham to send Lazarus back from the dead to warn his brothers to repent, thinking they would surely be persuaded to repent if one rose from the dead. Abraham told him, “If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.” The same remains true today. If people neglect to hear and heed the message of the Bible, they will not repent of their sins and trust in Christ Jesus for pardon and forgiveness, even if they see mighty works or attend services with dynamic worship and speakers.
Grant that I hear and heed Your Word, O Lord, and repent of my evil ways, looking to Christ and His atoning sacrifice on the cross for pardon and forgiveness, and then walk according to Your will. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the Revised 1883 Webster Version of the Bible.]
