Re:Verse passage – Ephesians 1:13-14 (day three)
“…the redemption of God’s own possession…”
A common understanding of “possession” emphasizes notions of defiance and smugness: “It’s mine, not yours, and you have neither power nor right to tell me what to do with it.” Paul frames it another way. Here, “possession” emphasizes restoration to a status in keeping with high favor. Nobody ever knew how valuable you really are. Parents, family, and friends perhaps come closer to that realization than others (though, sadly, not invariably). But God always knew. That’s why the Bible refers to those separated from God as lost instead of worthless. And it’s why hell is such a cosmically profound catastrophe: a being of immeasurable value eternally wasting away. Salvation enables you to believe what God already knew about you – that you are precious to him. The Holy Spirit promises that God has never lost track of you.
This is a beautiful synopsis of God’s high view of mankind, rooted entirely in being His image-bearer. Thank you for your words, BR