Day Three: Perfectly United
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Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. God's purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God. And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. The Spirit is God's guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him.
— Eph. 1:11-14 NLT
Devotional
Our perfect salvation makes us perfectly united with Christ. When we were saved, the gap between God and us that was created by sin was removed. Jesus' death on the cross built a bridge over that gap. Now, under the covering of his blood sacrifice, when the Father looks at us, He sees his precious Son. He sees FAMILY.
But here is the excellent news! We were not adopted into his family by accident. He willingly chose us as His inheritance. He decided in advance. We were always part of His plan. God always intended to save you. And when we are dedicated, Christ becomes our head; we are His body, so we are always with Him. We are now perfectly knit together with him and his church. Nothing separates us from him.
And because we belong to him, we have access to the gift of the Holy Spirit. Like a signet ring on our hand, the Holy Spirit inside of us is a mark of God. His presence in our lives indicates that we belong to God. That means the Holy Spirit inside of us is our guarantee that we are united with Him. We are one with him, now and always.
Prayer
Father, thank you for choosing me from the beginning of time. Your word tells me that I was always part of your part. You call me your inheritance. And because you sent your Son to save me, I am now united with him forever. Nothing can separate me from my Savior. Thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. His presence inside of me reminds me that I belong to you. Help me live out of the overflow of his power and presence, in Jesus' name. Amen.