Thursday 07/03/13

Ephesians 2:11-12 ESV

Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called "the uncircumcision" by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

We need to remember who we are before we received Christ, and who we could have become without God. That's the best way for us to see the blessings and the work of God in our lives. That helps us avoid taking Him for granted and being ungrateful, but be grateful and love Him more.

Before receiving Christ, we "were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world." But after receiving Christ, we received these previous gifts from God:

_ we were connected to Christ, and from Christ connected to God as His children, inherited the rich heavenly blessings reserved for Christ and the children of God.

_ we were joined to the commonwealth of believers, the church, and could enjoy the fellowship of the saints.

_ we can learn the rich promises of God to those who love Him, and can claim them through faith and prayers.

_ we are no longer alone in this world. We have God and can always hope in Him, and come to Him in prayer. The Almighty Creator promise hear us and act for our good and edification.

These are the very first gifts of God for those who believe in the Gospel. We once didn't have it, bit now we have in Christ.