Salvation in Christ Alone

Ephesians 1

​You and I do not and cannot save ourselves, for “salvation is of the Lord through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.” We receive spiritual blessings from the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Salvation is only achieved by the grace, mercy, and work of Jesus Christ, and in it, we have all we will ever need for life and service in this world and the Spiritual Realm.
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“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:3–14 (ESV)

Throughout Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he emphasizes the point that salvation is by his grace, especially in 2:1–10. Grace is God’s favor bestowed on people who do not and cannot deserve it because of the seed of sin living inside the heart of men and women.

In the ancient world, slaves could be redeemed; a price could be paid for their freedom. Redemption from sin comes through the price paid by Jesus Christ through his blood. Why blood? Because the judgment for sin is death, and shedding blood means taking life. The sinless Son of God had to die to pay for our sins so we might have forgiveness—God’s grace richly poured out on us.

According to verses 9 and 10, in Christ, things in heaven and things on earth are unified so that we might be aligned under God’s kingdom reign, living transformed lives for His pleasure. Dr. Tony Evans says, “God’s philosophy of history is to bring all things under the rule of his Son.”

I love verse 14 and the image that Dr. Tony Evans shares in his Study Bible Notes on the Holy Spirit: “Like an engagement ring, the Holy Spirit is a down payment on an eternal commitment. The Spirit is a heavenly first installment given in anticipation of eternal life, a life that is eternally secure. He’s a foretaste of what’s ahead.”

We need to understand that salvation is for God’s Glory, not just a ticket for eternity. God saves sinners not to solve their problems but to bring glory to Himself. We see throughout scripture that the church will glorify Him for all eternity!

Salvation also reveals God’s greatness.

“For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.” Ephesians 1:15–23 (ESV)

Many Christians are living spiritually poor lives, while sitting on a pile of spiritual wealth. While God holds our spiritual inheritance for eternity, He will give us what we need now to fulfill His purpose.

If you’re a believer—a follower, a fisherman, and a fruit-bearer— in Jesus, you’re a prime candidate to see the workings of God’s immeasurably great power in your life.

If your situations and circumstances are less than, or just plain bad, remember that God’s immeasurably great power raised Jesus from the dead. And that same resurrection power is available to help you in whatever you face in this difficult journey. Know today, God can invade the circumstances of your life and demonstrate His sufficiency, strength and salvation.

Ask God today to open your spiritual eyes to see the greatness of His power. And hold firmly to the truth that Jesus is alive and has conquered every enemy, and know you may draw on His power to meet every need in life.
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Do you believe that in Christ and His shed blood you possess redemption? Do you believe that in Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection, and ascension you possess salvation and the hope of eternal life? As a believer and receiver of the Holy Spirit, do you know you possess the power that raises Jesus from the grave? Will you trust Him today, despite your circumstances, to grant you eternal life, assurance of your salvation, and hold your tomorrow in confidence?

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