The Glory of Christ

The best news ever!

  • About
  • Blog
  • Contact

In Christ Jesus

November 27, 2016 by Jan Blonk Leave a Comment

This is the last post of In Christ Alone: What Every Christian Needs to Know More Deeply and Experience More Profoundly. There are 31 devotionals on the greatest reality, which is being “in Christ Jesus.” Every aspect of our salvation is only found in Him. The Lord willing, the book will be published in either December or January.

And raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:6-7

 

The best is for last—not only at the end of this book, but also at the end of this age. God’s eternal purpose was “set forth in Christ” and is entirely based on “the riches of his grace” (Eph. 1:7-10). Everything is centered in Christ. He’s “the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end” (Rev. 21:6). In plain English: it’s all about Him!

God’s plan included choosing us “in him before the foundation of the world” (Eph. 1:4). Having been chosen “in him,” we were (and are!) fully connected to every part of His great saving work. We were, so to speak, in His loins (see Heb. 7:9-10). What He performed, we performed. That’s why Paul wrote in Romans that we’ve died with Christ (see Rom. 6:8).

In today’s verses we read that God also “raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places.” His resurrection from the dead is our resurrection from the dead; His ascension to heaven is our ascension to heaven. That’s why being “in Christ Jesus” is the totality of our salvation.

When all is said and done, God will show us “the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” His infinite love for His Son is His infinite love for us. We’ll experience and enjoy everything Jesus is, has accomplished, and has obtained through His righteous life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection. That’s good news!

The riches of His grace are immeasurable. To the Corinthians Paul wrote: “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.” Whatever is coming, it’s “freely given us by God” (1 Cor. 2:9, 12). That’s what grace is all about. There will be no boast in self, no matter how small, but only in God’s grace, having chosen us “in him before the foundation of the world.”

Jan Blonk
The Devotional Writer
www.devotionalwriter.com

P.S. on December 1st we’ll start Joy to the World: Christmas throughout the Year. There are 25 devotionals, written for December 1st through December 25th. You can get your FREE copy right here.

Filed Under: 49 Ephesians Tagged With: Book Launch, Ephesians

Partakers in Christ Jesus

October 29, 2016 by Jan Blonk Leave a Comment

There’s no greater reality than being “in Christ Jesus.” It’s the essence and totality of the gospel. It means we share in who Jesus is, what He has accomplished, and what He has obtained–all freely giving “in Him.”

This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Ephesians 3:6

The great litmus test for sound theology is the centrality of the person and work of Jesus Christ. That’s ultimately the main (and only!) point of the Bible. It all started with God’s promise to Adam and Eve: “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel” (Gen. 3:15).

     Later on God chose Abraham to be His Son’s ancestor: “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham” (Matt. 1:1). When He chose Abraham, He said: “I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Gen. 12:3). God’s salvation is for “all the families of the earth.” Race isn’t an issue at all: “You were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation” (Rev. 5:9).

     Even though God had clearly stated the gospel is or “all the families of the earth,” the Old Testament is primarily about the lineage through whom Jesus would come—the Jewish people. They were the ones who received “the covenants of promise” (Eph. 2:12). Since these promises were so clearly stated to Israel, some believe that they have no true bearing to Christians, separating them into two peoples of God. That persuasion misses the main (and only!) point of the Bible!

     Paul made it clear that throughout the Old Testament there was a mystery that wasn’t clearly revealed until the New Testament: “That the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus.” Whether a Jew in the Old Testament, like David, or whether a Gentile believer in the New Testament, salvation is centered “in Christ Jesus.”

     The “covenants of promise” are only fulfilled in Christ Jesus: “For all the promises of God find there Yes in him” (2 Cor. 1:20). It’s only “in Christ Jesus” that we have salvation. Whether one lived from Genesis through Malachi or from Matthew till the end of the age, those who believe God’s promise, realized through the gospel, are “members of the same body”—the body of Christ.

Jan Blonk
The Devotional Writer 
www.devotionalwriter.com

P.S. While Christmas is still a little less than two months away, the stores are already displaying the Christmas merchandise. I guess it’s not too early to start. In order to properly prepare for Christmas, I invite you to check out my latest devotional: Joy to the World – Christmas throughout the Year. (it’s only $0.99 and will be a blessing to you).

Filed Under: 49 Ephesians Tagged With: Book Launch, Ephesians

In Christ Alone – Created in Christ Jesus

October 1, 2016 by Jan Blonk Leave a Comment

Justification (being declared righteous) and sanctification (starting to live righteously) go hand in hand. You cannot have the one without the other.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10

Being “in Christ Jesus” isn’t only a positional reality, it’s also a practical reality. Actually, if there’s no practical evidence, we may have to wonder if we’re truly in Christ. God didn’t save us to only enjoy our position; He also saved us in order to live in harmony with His word and will. It’s rather simple: if there’s no fruit, there’s no root. Our position and practice are two different sides of the same coin. They are fully related.

     Today we’ve one of the more famous passages: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Eph. 2:8-9). These verses emphasize God’s grace and faith being the channel by which we receive His salvation.

     When we consider grace, we see two main points. First of all, “And this is not your own doing.” Grace and our “own doing” cannot co-exist. Paul stated that as follows: “But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace” (Rom. 11:6). Grace excludes “your own doing”—your own works.

     Secondly, “it is the gift of God.” Grace is synonymous with God’s gift. The gift of salvation is solely by His grace. There’s no entitlement or earning. God designed salvation in such a way that “no one may boast.” That brings us to today’s verse, which starts with a cause—for.

     What does it mean to be saved by grace? It means that we are His workmanship. He created us—made us alive—“in Christ Jesus for good works.” This has also two major points. First of all, to the Corinthians Paul wrote: “And because of him you are in Christ Jesus.” That’s the same as the Father creating us in His Son. Secondly, it means that we receive all spiritual life, growth, and fruitfulness (good works) from Jesus. He’s the Source! That’s what grace is all about. It’s a continuous gift, “so that no one may boast.”

Jan Blonk
The Devotional Writer
www.devotionalwriter.com

P.S. Get “Battling Sexual Temptations and Sins” for only $0.99 on Amazon

Filed Under: 49 Ephesians Tagged With: Book Launch, Ephesians

In Christ Alone – Relating to One Another

September 11, 2016 by Jan Blonk Leave a Comment

The reality of being “in Christ” is not just a nice concept, it’s an absolute practical truth, not just in how we relate to our Father, but also to one another.

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32

As stated before, many times Paul could’ve made his statements without adding “in Christ.” “As God forgave you” makes the exact same point. However, he added “in Christ.” The reality of being “in Christ” is vital, not only in relation to understanding and experiencing God’s relationship to us, but also our relationship with one another. Let’s consider both.

     God relates to us as being “in Christ.” There’s absolutely no other way for Him to relate to us favorably. That’s why Jesus stated: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). In other words: no one can truly relate to the Father apart from being “in Christ.”

     Since we’re in Him, God counts us as perfectly righteous because Jesus is perfectly righteous. God also doesn’t remember our sins anymore—He freely forgives them—because Jesus died for them. He treats us the same way He treats Jesus. That’s absolutely mind-boggling. Unfortunately, many times we don’t truly live in this great reality and we also fall short in relating to one another as such. Didn’t Jesus even say: “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me” (Matt. 25:40). He fully associates Himself with His body—with all who are “in Him.”

     Not only are we to grow in our understanding and experiencing of being “in Christ” in relation to God, our Father, but also in relation to our brothers and sisters. They have the same blessings and gracious benefits that we have. Consequently, we’re to relate to them accordingly.

     That’s what Paul clearly stated in this verse. As God is kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving to us “in Christ,” even so are we to “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another.” There’s a definite connection between truly living in the reality of being “in Christ” and how we relate to one another. The more we realize how God treats us “in Christ,” the more we will treat our brothers and sisters accordingly, reflecting God’s kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness.

Jan Blonk
The Devotional Writer
www.devotionalwriter.com

Filed Under: 49 Ephesians Tagged With: Book Launch, Ephesians

A Glorious Sacrifice – He is Our Peace

July 20, 2016 by Jan Blonk Leave a Comment

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace . . .

Ephesians 2:13-14

In order not to violate Amazon’s “Terms of Service,” the content of this post has been removed. The post is now part of A Glorious Sacrifice – Seeing and Savoring God’s Matchless Love. Click this link to find out more: www.amazon.com/author/janblonk

     A Glorious Sacrifice contains 40 short devotionals on God’s infinite love, fully expressed in the death of His Son. Each devotional takes only 3 minutes and will be a great blessing and encouragement to your faith. Jesus said we’re to daily “feed on His flesh” and “drink His blood.” This book will help you do so! www.amazon.com/author/janblonk

     I encourage you to sign up for my blog. You’ll receive new devotionals, updates on upcoming books, and info on FREE promotions. You’ll also get a FREE copy of An Unfathomable Gift! God’s Astonishing Grace (4.8/5 stars on Amazon): www.thegloryofchrist.com/free-book

Thanks for stopping by!

Jan Blonk
The Devotional Writer

 

Filed Under: 49 Ephesians Tagged With: Book Launch, Ephesians

A Glorious Sacrifice – The Riches of His Grace

July 19, 2016 by Jan Blonk Leave a Comment

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.

Ephesians 1:7

In order not to violate Amazon’s “Terms of Service,” the content of this post has been removed. The post is now part of A Glorious Sacrifice – Seeing and Savoring God’s Matchless Love. Click this link to find out more: www.amazon.com/author/janblonk

     A Glorious Sacrifice contains 40 short devotionals on God’s infinite love, fully expressed in the death of His Son. Each devotional takes only 3 minutes and will be a great blessing and encouragement to your faith. Jesus said we’re to daily “feed on His flesh” and “drink His blood.” This book will help you do so! www.amazon.com/author/janblonk

     I encourage you to sign up for my blog. You’ll receive new devotionals, updates on upcoming books, and info on FREE promotions. You’ll also get a FREE copy of An Unfathomable Gift! God’s Astonishing Grace (4.8/5 stars on Amazon): www.thegloryofchrist.com/free-book

Thanks for stopping by!

Jan Blonk
The Devotional Writer

Filed Under: 49 Ephesians Tagged With: Book Launch, Ephesians

His Glorious Grace

April 4, 2016 by Jan Blonk 1 Comment

. . . even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.

Ephesians 1:4-6

What’s God’s ultimate goal? It’s His glory! When we’re more specific, though, we’ll also have a more specific answer. What’s God’s ultimate goal for His church? It’s the glory of His grace. Of all God’s attributes, He wants His grace to receive the greatest glory. It’s like the trinity: all God’s attributes are co-equal and co-eternal, but have different functions. For his church, His grace is first among equals, so to speak. It’s the fountainhead by which we receive and enjoy all His other attributes.

     When we look at Paul’s train of thought, we see that he ends up with: “To the praise of his glorious grace.” Everything that preceded that statement—the Father choosing us in Christ and predestining us for adoption through Jesus—is meant to glorify His grace.

     When we consider God’s grace, we consider it in light of our unworthiness. We don’t deserve any favor or goodness from Him. There’s no entitlement at all. In order to highlight God’s grace, Paul wrote: “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins . . . and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved (Eph. 2:1-5).

     By nature we only deserve God’s wrath. Yet, God made dead, hardened, unresponsive sinners spiritually alive in order to “be holy and blameless before him.” That’s grace! It’s not based on any supposed goodness or worthiness that we may claim. We have none! That’s why God’s desire to glorify His grace is the best news ever. It’s our only hope!

     Not only did God graciously make us alive, He also blessed us with His glorious grace “in the Beloved.” He has chosen us in Christ and “in him” we have God’s infinite grace. Because Jesus lived a perfect righteous life on our behalf and died a sacrificial death for all our sins, God has declared us righteous. In Him we’re “holy and blameless before him” because Jesus is holy and blameless. That will not only be our eternal state, but also our eternal experience, “to the praise of his glorious grace.”

For more Christ-centered devotionals, click right here

If you’ve been blessed by this post, why not share it with others!

Jan Blonk
The Devotional Writer
Author of “An Unfathomable Gift!“

Filed Under: 49 Ephesians Tagged With: Ephesians, grace

Meeting God at Wits’ End

Have you come to the end of yourself? Are you too weary to continue? Wits’ end is meant for you to have a heart-to-heart encounter with God. He’s all-sufficient and your only hope!

Buy Now

Buy This Book Online

amazon

Find A Local Bookstore

,

Read More
In Christ Alone

In Christ Alone

For a Christian, the greatest truth and reality is to be “in Christ.” Just like a newborn is clueless as to what it means to be alive in this world, even so are we many times unaware of what it means to be “in Christ.”

Buy Now

Buy This Book Online

amazon
In Christ Alone

Find A Local Bookstore

,

Read More

A Christ-Centered Identity

On who or what is your identity based? As a Christian, your identity should be solely based on your unity to Jesus and His great saving work. In this book you’ll see ten different aspects of your Christ-centered identity.

Buy Now

Buy This Book Online

amazon

Find A Local Bookstore

,

Read More

The Glory of Christ

Do you want to discover ultimate meaning and find true fulfillment? It’s only found in The Glory of Christ! His glory is the sole reason for creation, history, and your life.

Buy Now

Buy This Book Online

amazon

Find A Local Bookstore

,

Read More

Battling Sexual Temptations and Sins

Are you wiser than Solomon, stronger than Samson, or love God more than David? All three fell into sexual sin. Wisdom, strength, and even a genuine love for God is no safeguard for such sins. You need to properly arm yourself with God’s Word and Spirit. This book will help you do so.

Buy Now

Buy This Book Online

amazon

Find A Local Bookstore

,

Read More

A Glorious Sacrifice

Your only hope for salvation is found in Jesus’ sacrifice. There’s true peace and joy through His sufferings. There are 40 short devotionals to encourage your soul and boost your faith, highlighting the greatest and most profound event in history.

Buy Now

Buy This Book Online

amazon

Find A Local Bookstore

,

Read More

An Unfathomable Gift!

Do you want to know and experience God’s grace in a deeper, more profound way? Do you want to daily live in the reality of the gospel? If so, this book is for you. There are 40 short devotionals, ready to bless and encourage you.

Buy Now

Buy This Book Online

amazon

Find A Local Bookstore

,

Read More

Joy to the World

Christmas isn’t only the celebration of Jesus’ birth, it’s also the celebration of God’s salvation. Jesus came to redeem us from our sins, reconcile us to the Father, and restore us to the fullest. Christmas is intensely personal. There are 25 devotionals, specifically written for December 1st – December 25th.

Buy Now

Buy This Book Online

amazon

Find A Local Bookstore

,

Read More

Tags

1 Corinthians 1 Peter 2 Corinthians Acts Book Launch Books Christ-Centered Identity Christmas Colossians Deuteronomy Ephesians Exodus Galatians Genesis God's Promises God's Triumphant Mercy grace Hebrew Hebrews hope for the weary Intercession Isaiah It's All about Jesus Jesus' blood John John Owen John Piper Joy to the World manifestation Old Testament Philippians Providence provision Psalms quotes Revelation Romans songs submissions tagline Testimony of Christ the glory of christ The Word Became Flesh thoughts and observations word study

Recent Posts

  • His Name
  • When and Why?
  • God’s Kindness and Severity
  • Jesus’ Pledge
  • For His Sake
  • The Lion of Judah
  • The Lamb of God
  • Full of Truth
  • Full of Grace
  • Jesus’ Sovereign Control

Categories

  • 01 Genesis
  • 02 Exodus
  • 03 Leviticus
  • 04 Numbers
  • 05 Deuteronomy
  • 18 Job
  • 19 Psalms
  • 20 Proberbs
  • 21 Ecclesiastes
  • 23 Isaiah
  • 38 Zechariah
  • 40 Matthew
  • 41 Mark
  • 42 Luke
  • 43 John
  • 44 Acts
  • 45 Romans
  • 46 1 Corinthians
  • 47 2 Corinthians
  • 48 Galatians
  • 49 Ephesians
  • 50 Philippians
  • 51 Colossians
  • 53 2 Thessalonians
  • 57 Philemon
  • 58 Hebrews
  • 60 1 Peter
  • 62 1 John
  • 66 Revelation
  • Book Launch
  • Books
  • Grace
  • It's All about Jesus
  • John Owen
  • John Piper
  • Politics
  • Quotes
  • Songs
  • Submissions
  • The Glory of Christ
  • The Word Became Flesh
  • Thoughts & Observations
  • Uncategorized
  • Word Study

Archives

  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
February 2019
S M T W T F S
« Jan    
 12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
2425262728  
  • About
  • Blog
  • Contact

Copyright © 2019 · Christian Copywriting