The subject of grace could be said to be the most easily misunderstood truth in the faith today. Some define grace as unmerited favour. Others see it as help, covering, or allowance. All of these descriptions are valid in one context or another. Ephesians 1 captures the most complete perspective on the definition of grace, not merely as an abstract idea but as the life and blessing of God flowing toward and within us. It’s a lot to digest; let’s attempt to break down the corresponding verses:

1. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
2. Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.

   Grace is tapping into our essence (Zoe – the God life) to draw from God’s blessings (2 Peter 1:3).

4. According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.

   Grace sets the pace for the love of God to be shed abroad in our hearts, empowering us to live above sin (Romans 5:5/Romans 6:14).

5. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.

6. To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

   Grace is adoption into sonship and stewardship (Romans 8:15/1 Peter 4:10).

7. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.

   Grace is definitely not a license to do the very things Jesus died to free us from.

   Grace not only presents us to God; it also keeps us from falling (Jude 1:24/Romans 6:1-2).

8. Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

9. Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself.

   Grace is multiplied through the increasingly accurate knowledge of God (2 Peter 1:2).

10. That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

11. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.

    Grace is the rod of Moses in the hands of the believer by which we work signs, walk in victory, and exercise dominion (Exodus 4:17). Adam fell from grace because he lost his rod of dominion. (1 Corinthians 15:22).

12. That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
13. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
14. Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Grace is the believer’s genetic composition—our spiritual DNA that confirms our sonship. On the last day, there will be a spiritual paternity test, and grace will be the matching evidence of divine sonship. Only those in whom this grace is found can rightly be called the sons of God and address Him as Father in Heaven. (Colossians 1:27).

In conclusion, one final definition: whatever can be found in God is only accessible by grace. “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption (and all that pertain to life and godliness)—power, healing, wealth—name it; it’s all in the fullness” (1 Corinthians 1:30). Begin to draw by grace!

Continued…