Realise How Rich We Are In Christ – Ephesians 1
‘The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,’ — Ephesians 1:18
Our entire culture seems to run on covetousness. The desire for more fuels commerce, marketing, social media, politics and just about everything. Yet, the greatest riches are not found in this world. The greatest riches are found in Christ (Eph 1:3). Those who are in Christ through faith in Christ (v.13) are exceedingly blessed.
Ephesians 1:3-14 is a one long sentence praising God for all He has given to those who are in Christ. Variations of the phrase ‘in Christ’ are mentioned eleven times in those eleven verses. God chose to unite those who believe the gospel to Christ and to make that union the source of all His blessings for them.
So, all who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of salvation, and trusted in Christ are forever united to Christ. In Christ, they have holiness (v.4), adoption (v.5), acceptance (v.6), redemption (v.7), forgiveness (v.7), wisdom and prudence (v.8), revelation (v.9), inheritance (v.11) and sealing (v.13).
The key then for those of us who have believed is to, as Paul prays in Ephesians 1:15-32, understand 1) the hope of Christ’s calling, 2) the riches of the glory of Christ’s inheritance in the saints, and 3) the exceeding greatness of Christ’s power to us who believe.
Imagine a person being unaware that they are actually a billionaire. Imagine them having billions in the bank but forgetting and complaining about bills and needs. That’s an illustration of believers who forget how rich they are in Christ. In Christ, we have sure hope, a rich inheritance and great power.
May God enlighten the eyes of our understanding. May we meditate on the truths of all our spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. And may we live lives of hope, joy, and power!