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The Glory of God in the Gospel of Grace

The Glory of God in the Gospel of Grace

Mar 05, 2017

Passage: Ephesians 1:3-14

Preacher: Tom Ascol

Category: Sunday Morning

Keywords: election, glory, gospel, redemption, salvation, sealing, trinity

Detail:

Pastor Tom Ascol opens God’s Word to Ephesians 1:3 – 14 with a message entitled “The Glory of God in the Gospel of Grace.” The most important information anyone can have about God comes in knowing Him. Since we were made in His image we cannot fully understand ourselves without studying God. Moses understood this truth, even at a low point in his life. The Israelites had turned on him and on God yet Moses pled with God that He might “show me your glory.” The Old Testament word for “glory” conveys a sense of weightiness or heaviness. The idea behind it refers to substance and importance. Using that criteria, God’s glory must be great indeed. God revealed some of His character and saving work to Moses, a revelation that immediately changed Moses. In today’s passage, God reveals His glory in His provision of a Trinitarian salvation. Paul praises God, listing the blessing God has given Christians: election (v. 4), adoption (5), redemption and forgiveness (7), revelation of His will (8 – 10), inheritance (11) and a seal and guarantee (13 – 14). Each of these is remarkable on its own. Collectively, we can comprehend Paul’s wonder and praise of the triune God, each member of which had a role in our salvation.

God, the Father, sovereignly planned our salvation. He chose, He predestined us (vv. 4 – 5). Paul’s assertion need not lead to futile and unhelpful debate about this doctrine, Rather, his point is that our salvation is not an afterthought; it was carefully, lovingly planned by God. He is the great architect of our salvation, a fact that should fill us with praise and thanksgiving while also urging us onward in telling others of so great a salvation.

Sinners need redemption. God the Son has accomplished salvation. The Father’s plan of provision was brought to reality by the work of the Son on His Cross. Jesus Himself said he had not come to be served but rather “to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Believers would do well to remember they are a purchased people, purchased “through His [Jesus’] blood” (v. 7). While this is Paul’s shorthand way of referring to Jesus’ death on the cross, the Bible clearly tells us that without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin. Jesus shedding His blood brought to fulfillment the Father’s plan of salvation.

The third member of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, also plays a part in salvation (vv. 13-14). It is He that applies the gospel to our heart, bringing conviction and conversion. It is He that seals us and guarantees our inheritance. He does this for all who have believed, all those chosen before the foundation of the world.

The question today is whether you have responded to this calling. Have you felt the tugging at your heart as the Spirit applies the Word of God? Have you trusted the Savior who died for you? Are you willing to come to the Father, even today? Come today to the praise of His glory and grace.