Today’s Reading: Ephesians 1:11-14 [Day 02 of 20]

11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

Here’s what Paul means:

• We Jews were predestined by God to be the chosen people, the means by which God would bring blessing to the entire world;

• And now you non-Jews are included in the chosen people when you heard the gospel and trusted in it.

• The proof that you are part of God’s people is that he has given you his Holy Spirit;

• The Holy Spirit makes real now the future perfect reality that is coming—the Holy Spirit is the one who makes real the now-and-not-yet characteristic of God’s kingdom among us;

• If this is what life can be life now for God’s people—filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, etc.—how great will the future be?