This year has been very unusual but in that we can learn to draw closer to the Lord. As most of you know, I read through the Bible each year but this year I tried something a little different. I read several chapters a day in the Old Testament by listening to the Word. It is amazing what we pick up in listening instead of reading. Then each morning I read one chapter in the New Testament and make notes as to what touched my heart, important Scripture, and what I learned from this passage (that is applying it to my every day life). I am keeping a journal so I can go back and review these new insights.
I found that the book of Ephesians has so much meaning and I will share my notes over the next few weeks. I would so enjoy hearing from you concerning what I’ve written or how you are coming along with your Bible reading. Thank you for allowing me to share and your taking the time to read what I write. manager@afaeoriginal.com
v.4 ~ “just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him.”
v.5 ~ “In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself…”
John MacArthur says, “The doctrine of election is emphasized throughout Scripture. The form of the Greek verb behind “chose” indicates that God not only chose by Himself but for Himself to the praise of His own glory (vv. 6, 12, 14) God’s election or predestination does not operate apart from or nullify man’s responsibility to believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior”. (“The MacArthur Study Bible”, p 1803).
v. 11 ~ “also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will…”
Again, MacArthur adds his thoughts in understanding the text, “Before the earth was formed, God sovereignly determined that every elect sinner—however vile, useless, and deserving of death—by trusting in Christ would be made righteous” (p. 1804)
MacArthur further says “As God works out His plan according “to the counsel of His will”, He energizes every believer with power necessary for His spiritual completion. (Phil 1:6; 2:13)”
v.22 ~ “And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”
MacArthur says, “Christ is clearly the authoritative Head (not “source”) because all things have been placed under His feet.”
It’s short and simple but let me ask you today, have you experienced “spiritual completion”? God is reaching out to you, handing you a gift…are you ready to grab hold of His calling?
Kommentare