THURSDAY October 21, 2021
A Fitting Farewell
Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
Ephesians 6:23-24
Now as we close the book of Ephesians, we can understand why Paul was sending his companion Tychicus to Ephesus. He would be a very real part of this one last touch of needed encouragement. Paul wanted Tychicus to comfort the hearts of the Ephesian believers.
Finally, Paul gave his closing benediction, which includes these important factors: the blessings of peace, love, faith and grace. The blessing of peace is only found in Jesus Christ. In Ephesians 2:14-16, He is called our peace. No one can experience the peace of God until they first repent and accept Jesus Christ into their lives. God’s peace is only given through Christ’s atonement on the Cross:
...and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross (Colossians 1:20).
The blessing of God’s great love and grace is found in Ephesians 2:4-5:
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)....
God’s love never changes. He will continue to love us until He comes again. The love of Christ is described in Jeremiah 31:3, as an everlasting love. God’s love draws us to Himself (Romans 6:14). The blessing of faith is found in Romans 1:17, as we live by faith. We also walk by faith (Romans 4:12), pray by faith (Matthew 21:22), resist evil by faith (Ephesians 6:16), and overcome the world by faith (1 John 2:13). Finally, we die by faith (Hebrew 11:13).
As Christians we have the blessing of being under the grace of God as we love our Lord in sincerity. Amen.
I build on Christ, the rock of ages; on his sure mercies described in his word, and on his promises, all which I know are yea and amen.
~John Wesley~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
