Living a Life Worthy of Our Calling
Scripture: Ephesians 1:1-10
The opening verses of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians offer one of the most marvelous summaries of the gospel in all of Scripture. Here, doctrine soars into doxology, and theology is inseparable from daily life. “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God…” (Ephesians 1:1) — these are not mere formalities, but a deliberate affirmation of divine authority. Paul writes as one sent, as an Apostle ( ie. fully authorized and commissioned by Jesus) of Christ, and his words call us to nothing less than a transformed life.
This letter centers on the historic Jesus—raised by God, exalted to heaven—and reminds us that those who are “in Christ” share in His exaltation. We are God’s new humanity, His household, His dwelling place. And we are called to live a life worthy of this calling—showing by our lives the stability of those clothed in the armor of God, resisting evil, and standing firm in a dark world.
Ephesians offers a magnificent union of doctrine and duty, mystery and mission, belief and behavior. Paul begins with a blessing: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us… with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). These blessings are not material, but spiritual—and they stretch across time.
In the past, God “chose us before the foundation of the world” (v. 4)—a staggering truth known as election. It’s a doctrine that affirms God’s sovereign grace. We didn’t choose Him first; He chose us, freely and lovingly. Far from an excuse for pride or passivity, election is a call to holiness, humility, and gratitude.
In the present, we enjoy adoption into God’s family (v. 5). As sons and daughters, we receive redemption through Christ’s blood and the forgiveness of sins (v. 7). We are not merely forgiven—we are family. Redeemed, healed, restored, forgiven.
In the future, Paul points to the cosmic goal of God’s plan: “to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ” (v. 10). God’s mystery, once hidden, is now made known in Jesus—a purpose that stretches across eternity and will culminate in the restoration of all things.
This vision lifts our eyes. How narrow our perspective often is! But God’s plan cannot be thwarted. His will shall be accomplished. And in the meantime, we are invited to live as people of blessing—rooted in grace, shaped by love, called to worship.
This worship is not just with words, but with lives. We bless Him because He first blessed us. In Christ, we are not just churchgoers—we are united to Christ, alive in Him, citizens of heaven, and members of His household. We live in two homes: in Christ and in His Church. From this place of security, we go forth to serve.
Grace and peace—God’s riches at Christ’s expense (GRACE)—are ours. Let us live lives that reflect this high calling. Let our doctrine lead to doxology, and our faith to action. For we have been blessed, that we might become a blessing.
