Knowing Jesus

Posted on March 18, 2021 by Mike

All of history came to a climax when Jesus arrived to provide us with salvation and eternal life. The first half of the book of Ephesians is an exploration of this gospel truth. We begin by learning that if we know Jesus, it means we have been chosen by Him.

“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” Ephesians 1:4

The evidence of our relationship with Jesus is the fulfilling of the Holy Spirit. There is a voice inside of every believer pointing the way and guiding us toward victory. If you are blessed with this internal moral compass, you are a child of God.

“When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.” Ephesians 1:13

When we carefully follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit, our heart becomes sensitive to a greater understanding of God.

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you.” Ephesians 1:18

By the grace of the Father, the teachings of Jesus, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, all followers of Jesus have been brought together to experience the power of God completely.

We were unable to achieve righteousness on our own; therefore, God provided us with a Savior to accomplish what our human nature could not realize.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8

Our transformation from condemned to die to the free gift of eternal life, was not something God conjured up to resolve a mistake in His Creation. Our new-found righteousness was His plan from the beginning.

“We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

As followers of Jesus, we have all been brought together into the family of God where we are nurtured, guided, and protected as children of God.

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” Ephesians 2:13

As believers, we find strength in our relationship with Jesus and are lifted into a new understanding of love through our intimate connection with God.

“In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” Ephesians 3:12

More than anything else, the greatest aspect of our salvation is the Holy Spirit living inside every believer. By connecting with God through our inner being, we are able to achieve things far beyond our own capabilities.

“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.” Ephesians 3:16

It is love that connects all believers together, and it is love that keeps us connected to Jesus, and it is love that empowers our connection to God. Love is the unstoppable force that fuels all that we are able to accomplish in the name of Jesus.

“I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people.” Ephesians 3:17-18

There is nothing more powerful than followers of Jesus working together in love. Our mission is to serve God by serving others. We accomplish this mission through the power of love that God provides. Praise God for His grace and compassion. Praise God for sending his Son. Praise God for our relationship with each other as children of God. May your life be filled with His blessings as you pursue your walk with Jesus.

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