Yesterday, we observed that one of the pictures of our relationship with God is that he has transformed us from darkness to light:
For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. (Ephesians 5.8, ESV)
I said there were five preceding that one, all pretty exciting if you think about it:
- Adoption
In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will. (Ephesians 1.5, ESV)
- Redemption
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace. (Ephesians 1.7)
- Adoption implies inheritance
In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will. (Ephesians 1.11, ESV)
- Resurrection: Death to life
Even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—(Ephesians 2.5, ESV)
- Access (2.18)
For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. (Ephesians 2.18, ESV)
They all speak to relationship, and there’s one more, the ultimate husband/wife relationship from the last part of Ephesians 5:
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. (Ephesians 5.31, 32, ESV)
Seven “in him” relationships:
- Adoption
- Redemption
- Inheritance
- Resurrection
- Access
- Light
- Marriage
And Paul doesn’t even mention born again! There just aren’t enough words!
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1.3 – 5, ESV)