Identity in Christ: Ephesians 1: 3-14

And can it be that I should gain?

This is the title and opening line from a Charles Wesley hymn. It is also the question that I find myself asking when I stop to consider the great many blessings that our Heavenly Father has blessed me with. Can this be right? Me? God desires to bless me with every spiritual blessing in the heavens?

No doubt, this passage in Ephesians is loaded with staggering language. It is wonderful. It is a bit confusing. It is extremely straightforward, and yet challenging to follow. When boiled down, it is overwhelming. That is the best way that I can say it…

When I read Ephesians 1:3-14, I am overwhelmed.

The refrain of Wesley’s hymn is, “Amazing love! How can it be that Thou, my God, should die for me?” That is what is so perplexing. How can God know the worst of me and take pleasure in blessing me with every spiritual blessing in the heavens? How can he lean in when I feel filthy? How can he treasure me when I want to slink into the shadows? How can he know me when I feel as if I don’t even know myself?

Understanding and accepting the lavish love of God is not an issue reserved only for the new believer to grapple with. At times, it is a wrestling match for even the most mature of Jesus’ followers. We are all susceptible to moments, or even seasons, of identity crisis. But our true identity comes from the One who formed us. We were knitted together as unique individuals, who have purpose, and are thoughtfully a part of God's plan.

How can it be? It’s because His ways are not my ways.

Isaiah 55:8-9 says, “’For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways.’ This is the Lord’s declaration. ‘For as heaven is higher than earth, so my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.’”

Using similar language, Psalm 103:11-12 tells us, “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his faithful love toward those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Verse 14 adds, “For he knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust.”

Do I believe it? Yes!

Do I fully understand it? Some days more deeply than others.

Our God and Father, according to the good pleasure of his will, has completely removed our sins from us. With all wisdom and understanding, because his ways are higher than our ways, and his thoughts are higher than our thoughts, he purposed us to receive his overwhelming love. He intimately knows our past and present and takes great pleasure in calling us his own.

Thank you Jesus! 

I am joyfully overwhelmed!