7 In union with him, through the shedding of his blood, we are set free — our sins are forgiven; this accords with the wealth of the grace 8 he has lavished on us. In all his wisdom and insight 9 he has made known to us his secret plan, which by his own will he designed beforehand in connection with the Messiah 10 and will put into effect when the time is ripe — his plan to place everything in heaven and on earth under the Messiah’s headship.
11 Also in union with him we were given an inheritance, we who were picked in advance according to the purpose of the One who effects everything in keeping with the decision of his will, 12 so that we who earlier had put our hope in the Messiah would bring him praise commensurate with his glory.
13 Furthermore, you who heard the message of the truth, the Good News offering you deliverance, and put your trust in the Messiah were sealed by him with the promised Ruach HaKodesh, 14 who guarantees our inheritance until we come into possession of it and thus bring him praise commensurate with his glory. (Complete Jewish Bible).
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I love the symbolism and meaning behind baptism. I love talking to a family about the importance of the duties that they have in baptism--to live with God's faithful people. I love that the gathered believers, many of whom do not know the person being baptized, promise to pray and support this newly baptized member--adopting them into the fold. I love placing my hand on the forehead of the newly baptized and saying "you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever." I love that we are chosen to be children of God and receive this glorious grace. How do you intentionally support the newly baptized in your community?
Living Water, wash over us each day and remind us of your covenant of grace. Bless all of your children and help us to follow-through on our promises too. Amen.
John Klawiter, '12
Pastor, Faith Lutheran Church, Forest Lake, Minn
Ephesians 1: Spiritual Blessings in Christ
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 just as he chose us in Christ[Ephesians 1:4 Gk in him] before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. 5 He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight 9 he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 11 In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance,[Ephesians 1:11 Or been made a heritage] having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, 12 so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; 14 this[Ephesians 1:14 Other ancient authorities read who] is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory. (New Revised Standard Version).
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 just as he chose us in Christ[Ephesians 1:4 Gk in him] before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. 5 He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight 9 he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 11 In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance,[Ephesians 1:11 Or been made a heritage] having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, 12 so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; 14 this[Ephesians 1:14 Other ancient authorities read who] is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory. (New Revised Standard Version).
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The Luther Seminary
2481 Como Avenue
Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55108, United State
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