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Daily Devotions

Ephesians

Ephesians 
Day 
Day 19

"To the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved."

Text: Ephesians 1:6

GRACE- ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL OF WORDS

Arguably, “grace” is one of the most precious and beautiful of words in Paul’s theological vocabulary. It is used in the most versatile way. Even if it is used as a greeting, the beauty of this word is not lost to the thoughtful reader.

“Grace” is one of the most significant themes Paul developed in his writings. It is not without significance to note that this word appears in every single letter he wrote.

“THE GLORY OF THE LORD”

“Glory” is certainly to be associated with God. The glory of the Lord was one of the most powerful ways in which the Old Testament sought to portray His Majesty. On occasions, God would manifest His glory. Two incidents stand out. The glory of the Lord so filled the Tabernacle Moses built, that not even he could enter into God’s presence.

“Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting,
and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
And Moses was not able to enter the tabernacle of meeting,
because the cloud rested above it, and the glory of the LORD
filled the tabernacle.”
EXODUS 40:34-35

The other occasion was at the Dedication of the Temple of Solomon.

“…The house of the LORD was filled with a cloud,
so that priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud;
for the glory of the LORD filled the house of God.”
2 CHRONICLES 5:13-14

THE GLORY OF HIS GRACE (“charis”)

“Grace” is one of the most profound attributes of God. In this context, the doctrine of “the adoption of sons” is directly associated with “the glory of His grace”. All the glory that God has adorns the manifestation of His grace!

“MADE US ACCEPTED” (“charitoo”)

This phrase “made us accepted” translates just one word (“echaritomen”). This word itself is derived from the word “grace”. What it really means is that God “bestowed grace to us”. In the bestowal of grace, He “made us accepted”. (The translation in the NKJV is really an application of the word. It describes the result of God’s bestowment of grace to sinners.)

“IN THE BELOVED”

Indeed, we must praise the glory of God’s wondrous grace extended to us. However, we must not miss out the Person who made this grace possible at all. Paul quietly but lovingly mentioned Him again and again in his writing. Did you notice that?

“He (God) chose us in Him (Christ Jesus)…”
Ephesians 1:4

He made us accepted in the Beloved…”
Ephesians 1:6

We must ever treasure our precious Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.