Blessed in the Beloved

In Ephesians 1:3-6, Paul begins with praise. Before he commands the church to walk worthy, he reminds believers that God has blessed them in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. These blessings are not fragile or temporary. They are anchored in Christ and secured by the Father’s grace.

This passage shows that God chose His people in Christ before the foundation of the world, not because they were holy, but so that they would be holy and blameless before Him. Paul also teaches that believers have been predestined in love for adoption through Jesus Christ. This doctrine is not meant to produce pride, coldness, or speculation, but assurance, humility, holiness, and worship.

The gospel remains central. The Father’s electing grace sends the Son. Jesus lived the holy life we did not live, died for sinners, rose from the grave, and receives all who come to Him by faith. All who come to Christ are received by the Father. We invite you to gather with Refuge Church Centralia as we continue to worship God through His Word.