Vision and Grit

How would we describe our condition as the children of the nation of Israel today? Are we still the hardy people that sent explorers into the world and established colonies in far off places? Are we still the rugged frontiersmen that conquered the Western half of the United States? Have all our technological advancements made us stronger and hardier and better able to cope with the inconveniences and irritations of life? 

Physically, we live in relative comfort, complacent with virtually every need met. There are some exceptions but by comparison to third world countries we have it pretty good, so good in fact that people risk life and limb trying to sneak across our borders to come here for just a chance at the life we have. You might say, we have dominion over all creation as we were instructed.

Yet…

We get irritated when they get our order wrong at Starbucks. Here we are blessed beyond measure that we can afford to pay 5 bucks for a cup of coffee and we are outraged when the kid behind the counter who is doing the best he can doesn’t get our double-shot, half-caff, pumpkin spice latte with almond milk and just a smidge of caramel exactly perfect.

We get aggravated when the driver next to us won’t let us merge, or worse we’re the one looking straight ahead refusing to even acknowledge the other guy’s existence. We forget about the comfort and convenience owning an automobile affords.

We get incensed at the grocery store when someone leaves their shopping cart in the middle of the aisle blocking the way. We get annoyed when the checkout clerk doesn’t thank us or the cashier at Walmart acts like they’re doing us a favor by taking our money. Or worse, we have to check out ourselves! Self-checkout, pffft! Forgetting to be thankful that the shelves are stocked full with every staple and delicacy imaginable.

We feel oppressed when every single time we go to the doctor we have to review our statement meticulously to be sure we were charged properly and become infuriated when we have to call six times to get to the right person to straighten it out. Forgetting that we have some of the best health care in the world and the people administering our health insurance and applying the charges barely understand it themselves.

And don’t even think about the Wi-Fi going down or the electricity going out! We might have to interact with the people in our family. “Hey, when did our son become a senior in high school?”

 We become worn out when we have to be around “people” while we’re running our errands. Our energy is drained and “peopled” has become a verb. It’s a condition. We’ve been “peopled” and need to rest and recover from over-exposure to “people”. Forgetting that every other person is “peopled” by our presence, we don’t take the time to meet these unknown potential friends.

If we aren’t emotionally mature enough to handle these petty infractions, how are we going to endure the real hardships that are coming our way?

Jesus Christ told us that at the time of the end there will be terrible times such as never seen before or ever will be again, even to the point that man will completely annihilate himself unless He steps in to stop it.

He also told us not to be surprised when we see these terrible things happening because He told us ahead of time. 

In the Olivet Prophecy Christ told us what to expect – 
(Matt 24; Mark 13; Luke 21)

Luke 21:7-19 KJV(7)  And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?(8)  And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.(9)  But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.(10)  Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:(11)  And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.(12)  But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.(13)  And it shall turn to you for a testimony.(14)  Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:(15)  For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.(16)  And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.(17)  And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.(18)  But there shall not an hair of your head perish.(19)  In your patience possess ye your souls.

Patience here in the Greek means the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith by even the greatest trials and sufferings - Perseverance, endurance, even cheerful or hopeful endurance.

Luke 21:25-28 KJV(25)  And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;(26)  Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.(27)  And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.(28)  And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

False Christs – religions that claim to be Christian but are not
Famines – 831M people undernourished; 19K will die today of starvation
Pestilence (disease) – 10M people will die of infectious diseases this year and another 40M will die of non-communicable diseases (cancer, heart disease, etc.)
War and rumors of war – 42 conflicts each having 100 or more deaths in the last year
Earthquakes – Avg. of 1630 earthquakes of 5.0 or greater each year
Lawlessness – and not just God’s Law but the Rule of Law man set up to govern polite society. Who even wants to be a policeman anymore? Always under scrutiny, now on camera, second-guessed, Monday morning quarterbacked by people who weren’t there and have never experienced having to make a life and death decision in a split-second. 

Betrayal by our own family, friends, and even brethren – turned in by our own friends and family
Persecution and Martyrdom – estimated 900,000 Christians martyred in the last decade

Mat 24:33-34 KJV(33)  So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.(34)  Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.

The generation that sees all these things will experience the great Tribulation.

Similarly, Paul describes what it will be like in the last days.

2Tim 3:1-5 KJV
(1)  This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
times of great stress and trouble [hard to deal with and hard to bear]
dangerous times
distressing times

(2)  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, 
selfish
[utterly] self-centered
love only themselves

"Selfie" was named as word of the year by the Oxford Dictionary in 2013.

covetous, 
lovers of money
greedy
inordinate desire for wealth

boasters, 
contemptuous boasters
haughty
braggarts

proud, 
stuck-up
conceited
arrogant

blasphemers, 
they will abuse others with insults
use abusive language
censorious (apt to blame or condemn)

disobedient to parents, 
going against the authority of their fathers
disobedient to fathers and mothers
they will curse their parents

unthankful, 
never giving praise
show no gratitude
ungrateful


unholy,
against all that is pleasing to God
have no respect for what is holy
they will consider nothing sacred

(3)  Without natural affection, 
 [They will be] without natural [human] affection (callous and inhuman)
heartless
They will have no love for others

trucebreakers, 
they will refuse to make peace with anyone
irreconcilable and unforgiving
merciless

false accusers, 
they will talk about others to hurt them
malicious gossips
they will tell lies about people

incontinent, 
without self-control
loose in morals and conduct
utterly and shamelessly immoral

fierce, 
savage
unmerciful
cruel

Beyonce’s sensual and aggressive stage persona alter ego – “Sasha Fierce”


despisers of those that are good,
hate what is good 
hate everything that is good
opposed to goodness


(4)  Traitors, 
treacherous betrayers
people will turn against their friends
they will betray their friends

heady, 
acting without thought
reckless
they will do foolish things without thinking 

highminded, 
inflated with self-conceit
think they are better than others
haughty and self-important

lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
lovers of sensual pleasures and vain amusements more than and rather than lovers of God
loving pleasure more than God
they will love what pleases them instead of loving God


(5)  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Do we witness any of these things today? Yes, I would say that we do. This and even more. Sometimes we shake our heads in disbelief. We shake our heads in disgust. We sigh and cry at what has become of our fellow man. 

Yet does any one of us think that things will get better? Does any one of us think that things will improve with the next election, with the next scientific discovery, with the next technological advancement? 

We live in a nation that considers itself a godly nation, a form of godliness anyway. Our President considers himself a godly man. The evangelicals, as they’re called nowadays, consider themselves godly people. But I would think they would hardly consider us one of their own when push comes to shove. Their acid test of a true believer is the Trinity. 

This same group of “Christians” considers the Catholic Church to be counted among their number. When the total number of Christians in the world is cited as 2 billion, half of them are Catholics. We would not be considered of like mind with them either.

Today we see those who claim the name of Christ drifting further and further away from the true doctrine He taught the apostles and was clearly inspired to be written in his word the Holy Bible. It isn’t too far fetched to imagine a time when we will be considered intolerant and judgmental and must be stamped out.

Yes, we will be considered outcasts by those deceived by false Christs and false prophets. But we are to continue on in the faith once delivered to the saints. As these things take place, we will not be unaffected. Moreover, we will be center stage, front and center as the scapegoat for all that is wrong with the world. 

2Tim 3:12-15 KJV(12)  Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.(13)  But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.(14)  But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;(15)  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

We Must Press On

This life we live in the flesh is only temporary. We may have aches and pains. We may have family issues. We may have financial issues. We may have health issues. These are all for our good. They are lessons for us to learn. They may not seem like it at the time but they are. 

1Pet 4:12-19 KJV(12)  Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:(13)  But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.(14)  If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.(15)  But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.(16)  Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.(17)  For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?(18)  And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?(19)  Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

We must not succumb to the chaos around us. We must not sink into despair and commit godless acts. We must remain calm firmly rooted in the faith. We must develop moral courage and mental toughness. Having a firm foundation on the Rock of Jesus Christ. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. 

Viktor Frankl in his classic book, Man’s Search for Meaning, describes what it was like in the concentration camps during the holocaust of WWII. He contrasts those who made it through with those who didn’t. All were exposed to the same conditions. All were stripped naked. All were fed a crust of bread and a cup of water a day. All were worked to death in the camps under the cruelest of conditions. 

None had control over their circumstances. Some made it. Some didn’t. While there was some luck involved or as we would call it, divine intervention, there was a distinct characteristic of those who survived. 

They took control of the one thing, the only thing they could control, their thoughts. They refused to give up hope. He found that one’s mental focus and mindset made all the difference.

Those who made it invariably found deep within a burning reason they had to make it out. Every last one of them found purpose in something outside themselves – to see a loved one again, to accomplish an important lifelong goal, to see to it that another person made it through, through acts of love and kindness to demonstrate hope to others. In every case, they took their focus off of themselves and placed it on a higher purpose, another person, another’s wellbeing. They each had a vision of a calling greater than themselves.

Rom 5:1-5 KJV(1)  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:(2)  By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.(3)  And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;(4)  And patience, experience; and experience, hope:(5)  And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy [Spirit] which is given unto us.

We look to Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith. We look to the Kingdom of God as our ultimate destiny.

Angela Duckworth performed a study where she analyzed why some people succeed in life and others didn’t despite having similar opportunities. It wasn’t their talent or their IQ. The smartest didn’t always excel. It didn’t matter what their economic or family background was. In every case what made the difference was that those who excelled didn’t let setbacks get them down. In every case they persevered. They were more resilient than those who gave up. They had determination and grit.

They didn’t perceive failure as permanent. They viewed it as temporary and a reason to correct their course and to try again. Those who didn’t do as well were more pessimistic. They viewed failure as a permanent condition, one that was out of their control, and they saw themselves as just a loser, not meant to succeed.

Despite the obstacles and trials, those that went on to accomplish great things had a solid vision of their goal and continually picked themselves back up after being knocked down and pressed on.

Paul tells us, “...but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Php 3:13-14)

Brethren we need to develop our vision and grit! It can be learned. It can be developed. And it can be taught to our children.

We need a vision of the Kingdom that is so clear and certain that we will do whatever it takes to get there. 

Make your vision of the Kingdom so clear that your fears become irrelevant.

Whether that vision is just of what it will be like to be a spirit being in the Kingdom or something more specific, we need to have a burning desire to do all we can to still be standing when the smoke clears.

Eph 6:13 NIrV  So put on all of God's armor. Evil days will come. But you will be able to stand up to anything. And after you have done everything you can, you will still be standing. [Stand therefore!]

Eph 6:13-14 AMP(13)  Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].(14)  Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,

Maybe we have a burning desire to see a loved one again. Maybe we never got to know our child that didn’t survive. Maybe our Mom or Dad or sister or brother or wife never knew the truth and we‘ve got to be there for them when they come up in the second resurrection.

Whatever it is that motivates you, find it!

2Cor 4:15-18 KJV(15)  For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.(16)  For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.(17)  For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;(18)  While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

We don’t focus on the immediate. We focus on the ultimate. If you can lay hold of what is ultimate, then you can deal with what is immediate. If you focus only on the immediate and forget what is the ultimate, you will not be able to deal with the issues that face you and you will be overwhelmed indeed.

We focus on the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. (Matt 6:33) We focus on loving God with all our heart, all our mind, all our soul, and all our strength. And we love others as much as we do ourselves. We take our eyes off “self” and fix them on the Kingdom of God and the welfare of others. 

Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. (Php 2:4 NKJV)

Training

We are in training for the Kingdom of God. 

Who will we be dealing with in the Kingdom of God? That’s right. People.

Guess what, there’s billions of people all around us we can practice on now.

Instead of allowing ourselves to be upset or offended, practice patience, practice kindness, practice compassion.

Instead of making a fuss about your messed-up latte, say a kind word to the kid about how busy things are and endure drinking your latte anyway. 

Instead, of huffing about the shopping cart or the checkout cashier, strike up a conversation about how many types of orange juice there are to choose from. Ask the cashier how long she’s been on her feet. Wish her a nice day.

Instead of honking at the guy who won’t let you merge and shaking your fist at him (or similar), give him the pleading prayer look to let you in. He will feel better about how magnanimous he was today and you’ll get to merge.

Instead of running a stream of negative self-talk about the people all around you when you’re running errands think about how they’re people just like you trying to get things done for their families while facing the same struggles you do every day. A smile and a kind word goes a long way. Try it.

I also suggest we take this time between Holy Day seasons to shore up our convictions and develop a sense of purpose bigger than ourselves. Put our plan together to get closer to God than ever before. To do all possible to develop our Christian character with all diligence. 

When it all collapses, it’s all going to go down suddenly in an instant, within a month’s time. Two scriptures tell us that.

Isa 30:13 KJV (13)  Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant.

Hos 5:5-7 KJV(5)  And the pride of Israel doth testify to his face: therefore shall Israel and Ephraim fall in their iniquity; Judah also shall fall with them.(6)  They shall go with their flocks and with their herds to seek the LORD; but they shall not find him; he hath withdrawn himself from them.(7)  They have dealt treacherously against the LORD: for they have begotten strange children: now shall a month devour them with their portions.

Plan your routines and rituals around what you know you need to do. 
Continue to study to show yourself approved, learning to rightly divide the word of God. 

It’s really simple. Notice I didn’t say it was easy. I said it’s simple. Sometimes I think the only thing getting in our way is us.

The conclusion of the whole matter is, fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. (Ecc 12:13)

Do justly. Love mercy. And walk humbly with thy God. (Mic 6:8) 

We already know what we need to do. We know where we can do better. 

We just need to do it!

Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. (Jas 4:17 KJV)

Plan time into your schedule for regular Bible study. Lock it in. Don’t change it. 

Plan time into your schedule for regular prayer. Lock it in. Don’t change it. 

Plan time into your schedule for fasting, meditation, reading. 

Read books relevant to learning and improving your mindset and character. 
If you don’t know what books to read ask your brethren what they are reading. I’ll give you two right now that were a great help to me – 

Man's Search for Meaning - by Viktor Frankl

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance - by Angela Duckworth

Leaders are readers. And readers are leaders.

We’re going to be leaders in the Kingdom of God. We can start by learning to be leaders now. We can train now for the difficult times that lie ahead in this life to help our brethren and our fellow man. 


The military, the police, the first-responders have proven that when crisis hits you don’t rise to the occasion in the middle of an emergency. You sink to the level of your training. So, don’t think that you’ll be ready for all the hardships that lie ahead if you haven’t been conditioning yourself to deal with them now. I’m not talking about physical conditioning, though that would be helpful too. I’m talking about mental and spiritual conditioning.

God is working a work in you. Let Him. Submit yourself to God and obey the leading of his Holy Spirit. And be diligent to make your calling and election sure. (2Pet 1:10)

Conclusion

The end is closer than it’s ever been. I encourage us all to get ready now. One morning we’ll wake up to a very different world and there will be no time to prepare then. 

There will be death and destruction and chaos all around us as events unfold. It won’t make any sense, except when viewed through the lens of God’s truth. We will witness the best in man as some will die heroes in sacrifice for others. We’ll also witness the worst in man as they do unspeakable things to their fellow man in an effort to save themselves. It will be an extremely traumatic thing to see.

There will be tremendous heartache and sorrow but know this, weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning. (Psa 30:5) 

Do we think we’re ready?

When we see such things, when we’re personally attacked, when we experience trials, will we question God? Will we question our faith? 

When Stephen was being stoned, did he ask, “Why me? What did I do to deserve this? What did I do to offend you LORD?” Or did he know that he was in right standing with God and trust that God meant it for good?

Each of us needs to reach the same perfect certainty. Confident in our relationship with God and Jesus Christ. We must know and be perfectly certain of our faith that God loves us and has our best interest at heart. 

We must be perfectly certain of the truths we’ve been taught, unquestioning, unwavering. We must be certain in our right standing with God. Worthy to stand before Christ in that day.

Luke 21:36 KJV  Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

When all these things come to pass people will be looking for a port in the storm. They will be looking for that one place where they can find peace and calm. They will yearn for someone they can turn to who is not forlorn and in distress as they are. They will be looking for answers. They will need someone who can bring meaning and perspective to their situation.

We must be resilient. If we’re as upset as they are then we’re no different than they are. Why would they embrace the cause of Christ when we’re in the same predicament as they are and just as forlorn? We may be in the same predicament but our outlook will be different.

When they see everything falling apart, we see everything falling into place. 

By the joy in our faces, they will see that we are different. They will see our faith. They will see Christ in us.

When Philip asked Jesus to “show us the Father and it suffices us”, Christ told him, “If you have seen me, you have seen the Father.” (John 14:9) 

And our attitude should be, “If you have seen me, you have seen the Christ.”

John 16:33 KJV  These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

We need to practice being cheerful now. We need to practice kindness now. We need to cultivate calmness now. We need to seek serenity now. We need to pursue peace now. 

We will need to project tranquility on to those with whom we come in contact during the Tribulation. We need to be the calm in the storm for those around us. Not a contributor to the chaos.

2Cor 6:3-10 KJV(3)  Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:(4)  But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,(5)  In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;(6)  By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy [Spirit], by love unfeigned,(7)  By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,(8)  By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;(9)  As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;(10)  As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. (Luk 21:28 KJV)

Blessed, Chosen, Adopted, Accepted, Redeemed, Forgiven, and Sealed

Ephesus was the second largest city in the Roman Empire at the time Paul wrote his letter to the Ephesians. It was a Gentile city, a large port city with over 250,000 people. It was a religious center where many religions were practiced but was predominated by the Temple of Diana. It was a culture steeped in the occult and was tolerant of every religion except Christianity.

The followers of Christ didn’t fit in with the rest of the Ephesian culture. They were perceived as self-righteous and intolerant of the other religions. They would just as soon have them killed.

It is in this climate that Paul sends his letter to the Christians in Ephesus from prison in Rome during his first imprisonment of two years there in approximately 57-62 AD. (Acts 28:30) They were in great need of being reminded of who they were in the face of such great opposition, of who Jesus was and what He had done on their behalf.

He hopes to remind the believers there of the great promises that were theirs in Christ and to bring them some comfort by his words.

And it is this, that I hope to do for us today.
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We are a peculiar people –

We are told in a number of places that we are a peculiar people.

Deu 14:2 KJV  For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.

Deu 26:18 KJV  And the LORD hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all his commandments;

1Pe 2:9 KJV  But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:  

Look at the person next to you and say, “You’re peculiar.”

And the proper response is, “Yes, we are!”

It wasn’t until early in the 17^th century that peculiar came to mean “strange”, “odd”, or “weird”.

Peculiar, as used in the Bible means belonging to or characteristic of someone, distinctive in nature or character from others, belonging characteristically to. Peculiar means, “special to”, “a treasure”, a “possession”, especially a “purchased possession”, something “distinctive” or “characteristic”.

ex. A black robe and a white collar are peculiar to a priest. It’s a distinctive trait. You wouldn’t expect anyone else to dress like that.

We are peculiar to God, a special treasure, a purchased possession. We carry the characteristics or distinctions of the people of the one true God. We exhibit the praises of him who called us out of darkness into his marvelous light.

There are 7 distinctions of God’s people that the apostle Paul outlines in chapter one of Ephesians. These 7 peculiarities set us apart from others, characteristic of God’s people; set apart, separate, sanctified, the elect saints of God.

Blessed, Chosen, Adopted, Accepted,

Redeemed, Forgiven, and Sealed

Eph 1:3-14 KJV

(3)  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

(4)  According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

(5)  Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

(6)  To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

(7)  In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

(8)  Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

(9)  Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

(10)  That in the dispensation of the fulness 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:

(11)  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:

(12)  That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

(13)  In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

(14)  Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

1.   Blessed –

Eph 1:3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

God has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. 

Eph 2:4-7 KJV(4)  But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
(5)  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
(6)  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
(7)  That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

Since God calls those things which be not as though they were (Rom 4:17), when He sees us “in Christ” by our confession of faith and baptism, it is as though we have already been translated into His Kingdom and sit with Christ in the heavenly places and are eligible to receive all his spiritual blessings.

Just like when Joseph and Mary were betrothed, it was just as if they were already married until the final consummation.

The ultimate fulfillment of being blessed will be at the resurrection and the marriage supper of the Lamb – 

Rev 19:9 KJV  And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

  

2.  Chosen –

Eph 1:4  According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. (Joh 6:44 KJV) 

Joh 15:16 KJV(16)  Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Joh 17:20-24 KJV (20)  Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;(21)  That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.(22)  And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:(23)  I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.(24)  Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

Before the foundation of the world –

How do we wrap our minds around this concept of God choosing us before the foundation of the world? How could God have loved us before the foundation of the world?

Well, if I were to tell my wife that I loved her before I even met her, would she think that was too hard to grasp? Would she be puzzled by that? No, she would understand that perfectly and be touched by the sentiment of it.

It merely means that I loved the concept of her, her personality, her kindness, her intellect, even her quirkiness. I didn’t know her personally yet, but when God brought her into my life, she fit the construct perfectly and I knew.

A mother loves her child before they are born. She loves her child even before they are conceived. She doesn’t know the child but she loves the child. Why? How? She just does.

We can ask ourselves, why did God choose me? Why me? Because He loved you. But why? Because He did.

And why do we love God? Because he first loved us, as we’re told in 1John 4:19.

And to what are we called to do about this election? We are to become holy and blameless before him in love. Out of our love for him we are to become holy as His Spirit works in us.

If the purpose of our election is that we should be holy, then ultimately the only evidence of our election is our holiness.

We cannot continue to live in sin if we love Him.

We are holy only through Jesus Christ. We must put on Christ (Gal 3:27) in order to appear holy and blameless before God.

1Cor 1:4-9 KJV
(4)  I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;
(5)  That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;
(6)  Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:
(7)  So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
(8)  Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(9)  God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

3.  Adopted –

Eph 1:5  Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

We have been adopted into the family of God. God called us and gave us to Christ.

Joh 17:6, 10, 20-23 KJV(6)  I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.

 (10)  And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.

(20)  Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;(21)  That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.(22)  And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:(23)  I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

We are true members of God’s family that we may be one even as they are one. 

Rom 8:14-15 KJV  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.  (15)  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption (sonship), whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

 And we have been predestinated (foreordained) into this adoption, this sonship. We are continually being conformed to the image of his Son. 

Rom 8:28-30 KJV(28)  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
(29)  For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
 (30)  Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

Predestination is an unfortunate word choice here. It implies that each of us in particular, by name was pre-selected before the foundation of the world and the rest of the world is condemned with no hope of changing it.

The Calvinists have taken this to the extreme privilege that God destined some individuals to be called no matter what and some are destined to not be called no matter what.

It doesn’t mean that. If it did, there would be no room for free will.

What it means is that we, as a group, would be called. That God would form a family who would answer the call, repent, be baptized, and receive his Holy Spirit.

But no, He did not predestinate that Bob, by name, would be called.

For example, let’s say I decided to form a Little League baseball team. I have predetermined that I will have boys on the team to fill various positions. I don’t know who they are yet. So, I put out the call that I am forming a new team to compete in the local league. All those who are interested should come to tryouts on such and such a date.

I have predestinated. I have called. But I have not yet chosen.

These boys must answer the call, they must show up for tryouts, and they must agree to conform to the schedules and terms of the league to be chosen. We aren’t concerned with their skills. These are little boys who will learn to play the game once they’re on the team.

Similarly, we must answer the call, we must show up before God, and through repentance and baptism agree to obey the terms of the covenant as he has laid them out.

It doesn’t mean he knows which ones will submit their will to His. (2Ch 32:31)

God does this according to the good pleasure of his will – 

God is not obligated to give us the Kingdom. He can do anything he wants. He is God. He can do whatever he pleases. (Isa 46:9-11)

However –

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (Luk 12:32 KJV)

4.  Accepted –

Eph 1:6  To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

To the praise of the glory of his grace – God will be praised when we become glorified spirit beings by His grace, not of works, but by the gift of God. Aren’t we pleased when our children delight in a gift we have given them?

He hath made us accepted – transformed us, made us acceptable to Him

Who can remember times growing up how good it felt to be accepted by our father, to be in his good graces. Contrast this with the times when we weren’t,  when we didn’t quite measure up, not quite good enough.

How wonderful it is to be accepted in God’s good graces. To be his son or daughter in whom He is well pleased.

Beloved – the Beloved Son of God – “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” at His baptism (Mat 3:17) and at the transfiguration. (Mat 17:5)

We have been accepted in the beloved. We are “in Christ”.

Remember what we read in John 17:23 –

I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.  

God loves us even as He loved Christ! To the same extent and vastness that He loved his only begotten Son, he also loves us and accepts us. He expects us to grow in grace and knowledge just as the expectations we have of our own children, but loves us just the same.

5.  Redeemed –

Eph 1:7 (a)  In whom we have redemption through his blood,

God so loved the world…

We have been redeemed by the precious blood of the Lamb.

Gal 4:4-7 KJV(4)  But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
(5)  To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
(6)  And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
(7)  Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

We are in the world but we are not of this world. We have been translated into the Kingdom already. Yet we are but sojourners here and await a better country, the Kingdom of God established on Earth believing God and having faith that He who redeemed Christ’s body, will redeem ours also.

Even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. (Rom 8:23) 

Col 1:12-14 KJV (12)  Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
(13)  Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
(14)  In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

6.  Forgiven –

Eph 1:7 (b)  the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1John 1:9) Where sin abounded, grace abounded all the more. (Rom 5:20)

He gives to us according to the riches of his grace, not just out of his riches.

What’s the difference? If a rich man gives to you “out” of his riches, he may give you a meager amount, maybe five dollars. But if a rich man gives to you “according” to his riches, that would be a gift indeed.

By which method does God tell us to bring our offerings on holy days? We are to make an offering according to how God has blessed us, are we not? (Deut 16:10, 17)

The next 5 verses tell us how God has blessed us according to the riches of His grace.

(8)  Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

The ESV reads,

which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight (Eph 1:8 ESV)

I like that. I can just picture God lavishing us with all wisdom and insight. He slathers us with the riches of his grace like you would your Momma’s banana bread with butter. It’s because he has lavished us with his wisdom and insight that we understand our future. It is a gift. He has not done so with everyone. 

Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. (Matt 13:11)

(9)  Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

A mystery isn’t a puzzle to be figured out. It’s a secret that can only be known when God reveals it. (Eph 3:3) 

Joh 15:14-15 KJV (14)  Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.(15)  Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

Things he has made known to us according to the riches of God’s grace. God’s plan has been made known to us and Jesus Christ considers us His friends. Yes, we serve Him. But he does not treat us like servants but friends and brothers in Christ, sons of God.

(10)  That in the dispensation of the fulness 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:

In the fullness of times, Christ will return to the earth and set up the Kingdom forever and ever and we will be one with Him and the Father.

Upon Christ’s return all things will be gathered together in one, in unity. All the enmity we have amongst each other, the husbands and wives who merely coexist, the families who don’t speak to one another, the various church factions that have been splintered all over the planet, will all be brought together in unity under Christ.

(11)  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: (12)  That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

Notice that it is in Christ that we have obtained an inheritance.

By ourselves, we are inadequate and unworthy and it is only because we are in Christ that we have been assigned this inheritance and only because we are in Christ that we can be to the praise of His glory.

We’re still talking about the riches of God’s grace that He lavishes on us because we have been forgiven because we have trusted in Christ.

It says further down in Ephesians in verse 19 that He also gives of the exceeding greatness of His power toward us according to the working of his mighty power when he raised Christ from the dead. 

Eph 1:19-20 KJV(19)  And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
(20)  Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

This is the grace and power that God has toward us. Paul is telling us, no matter how weak and pitiful we may feel look what God has done for us in Christ!

God did all this for us according to the riches of his grace and according to the working of his mighty power.

Paul tells us this to galvanize our hearts against all that comes against us. Knowing what we know and knowing that we know it, we can march ahead and navigate the spiritual wreckage all around us. The God of this kind of power, that can raise the dead, is the God we serve and he wields the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe and forgives us with abounding grace.

7.  Sealed –

Eph 1:13-14 KJV  In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,  (14)  Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

The Expositor’s Bible Commentary has this to say about a seal –

“A seal is a token of proprietorship put by the owner upon his property; or it is the authentication of some statement or engagement, the official stamp that gives it validity; or it is the pledge of inviolability guarding a treasure from profane or injurious hands. There are the protecting seal, the ratifying seal, and the proprietary seal. The same seal may serve each or all of these purposes. Here the thought of possession predominates (comp. Eph_1:4); but it can scarcely be separated from the other two. The witness of the Holy Spirit marks men out as God’s purchased right in Christ. (1Co_6:19-20) In that very fact it guards them from evil and wrong, (Eph_4:30) while it ratifies their Divine sonship (Gal_4:6) and guarantees their personal share in the promises of God. (2Co_1:20-22) It is a bond between God and men; a sign at once of what we are and shall be to God, and of what He is and will be to us. It secures, and it assures. It stamps us for God’s possession, and His kingdom and glory as our possession.”

The seal of God’s Holy Spirit is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchase.

When you make a large purchase like a car or a house, they usually expect a down payment. This down payment is called “earnest money”. It is evidence that you are serious and intend to make the full purchase. You’re not just kidding around. It’s a promise that you will pay the rest until it’s paid off, until redemption, and it is fully yours.

Similarly, you could think of this seal like an engagement ring. It’s a pledge to a lifelong commitment until the marriage has been consummated.

Blessed, Chosen, Adopted, Accepted, Redeemed, Forgiven, and Sealed

We are all these things in Christ, yet we are still becoming. When we focus on who we are in Christ, when we focus on the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, it gives us hope, it comforts us, though we may be going through a rough patch, though we may be but sojourners in a strange land. When we know what awaits us when we get there, it gives us a sense of hope, and comfort, and peace.

When I used to travel quite a bit internationally, I had a watch that I wore. It was just a simple Casio watch but it had a unique feature. This watch had an analog face with hands that spin around to tell me the time. But in addition to the analog face it also had a small digital watch built in at the bottom of the analog face. And the thing that was so special about this watch was that it allowed me to set them to two different time zones. I could set the one, the analog face with the hands to the local time where I was located at the time and the other, the digital, I could set to the time back home. It further allowed me to set it to what we call ‘military time’, you know, on the 24-hour clock. So, for example, I could be in Singapore and I would set the analog watch with the hands to 7:00 am the local time. Then I could set the digital clock to the time back home based on the 24-hour clock to 18:00 as there were 13 hours difference. So, it would be 6:00 pm the previous day in Sterling, VA and 7:00 am in the morning of the next day, 13 hours ahead in Singapore.

Now, my wife and I didn’t have the means to communicate with each other the way you do today. There was no Skype, there was no Facetime, there was no internet to speak of. I know what you’re thinking but there were no dinosaurs either. Phone calls were very expensive so you didn’t call home ever unless it was a dire emergency.

But I still wanted to know what time it was back home. Not because I didn’t want to call and wake up my wife accidentally. I had no plan to call her at all. But by having that digital display of the time back home I had a connection to home. I could picture what she might be doing. Oh, it’s 6 o’clock in the evening, she’s probably sitting down to dinner, to a nice home cooked meal. I may be sitting here half a world away eating a hard-boiled egg and a piece of cold toast but she’s winding down her day and it was comforting somehow.

While I was traveling all over the world separated from my wife, my children, and my home, I had a connection by this simple knowledge of the time there. And I was comforted by it. I knew what awaited me there, the blessings of home, the love and acceptance and it gave me a sense of hope, and comfort, and peace.

Similarly, by understanding God’s plan, knowing that we are blessed, chosen, adopted, accepted, redeemed, and forgiven by Him, and his seal of promise upon us, we are comforted by the picture of our home in the Kingdom.

As we set our digital watches to God’s time, His Sacred Calendar, it comforts us as we traverse in our existence on Earth, as we sojourn here in a strange land until such time as we’re united with our family in the Kingdom

This is the heart of our Christian existence. We need to understand what God and Christ have done for us. For once we do, it is this hope in the riches of our inheritance that gives our daily lives meaning. We no longer wallow in the muck and mire of our daily trials but look to our eternal hope in the Kingdom. Our daily trials amount to naught when held up to the light of the assurance of the gospel, the good news, of the Kingdom.

Paul is telling them in Ephesians chapter one that he prays that they know these things deep in their hearts and he reassures them that they are so.

And that is my prayer for us today.

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