Free stuff, anyone?

 

This gospel in the first verses in Ephesians already captivates me. 

Eph1:3 Blessed blessed blessing - eternal blessings, not temporal earthly ones.

Blessing is already done deal. "before the foundation of the world" 

• v.4 election for holiness
• v5 predestination to be adopted as sons
• v.6 glorious grace ...in the Beloved (Jesus)

In our world where consumerism is on top of mind, "what's in it for me?" is the game, I think this passage is ultimate benefit-talking. 

However, this is the benefit one who do not deserve. This is by grace. 

Eph 1:7  In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 

We like free stuff as consumers but this should be given biggest gratitude. Why? Because to those who would receive this gift, knew that he or she is:

1. In need of redemption - when you need redemption, it means you are in a position where you cannot save yourself. People who thinks the opposite, would not avail this gift. I think many people refuse to receive the blessings from Jesus because they don't see the need of it. It's like why go to the doctor if you are not sick? However, are we really not sick? Don't we really need Jesus to redeem up?  
2. In need of forgiveness - this more sensitive than the first one. Many are offended to accept the guilt of being a sinner. Maybe because of the worldly idea that no man is naturally bad, that every person has something good in them. Hence, why need forgiveness? Simple answer is, in God's judgment, we are a sinner. Romans 3:10, 23 and James 2:10 are just few verses that corrects that mindset that man is good. 

Accepting these two important realities would lead the person to believe in the need of a Savior. These were two things the prodigal son realized that he went back to his father, not as a proud son, but to beg for his mercy. We know the story, the father have been waiting for his return and when he came, he gave him 'gifts' he did not deserve.

I used to be deluded of myself, I thought, 'why do I need Jesus?' I can live without this Jesus-thing. However, when I heard the good news from the bible, I realized I was wrong. I need Him. I am made for Him. I need redemption and I need forgiveness. 

I definitely love these free stuff, these blessings from heaven.