Ephesians 1:12

“That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.”

Context:The book of Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul to the church in Ephesus. In this particular verse, Paul is expressing a purpose for believers-that they should bring praise to God’s glory. The preceding verses highlight various aspects of God’s blessings and plan for salvation.

Trusting in Christ:The phrase “who first trusted in Christ” refers to the early believers who heard the message of the Gospel and put their faith in Jesus Christ. It emphasizes their initial act of trust and belief in Jesus as the Savior. This act of trust forms the foundation for their relationship with God and sets the stage for the subsequent discussion of God’s plan of redemption in the following verses.

Praise of His glory:The purpose of believers is to bring praise and glory to God. Our lives should reflect the transformative power of the Gospel, leading others to recognize God’s greatness and worship Him. Through our faith in Christ, we become part of God’s grand design to display His glory to the world.

Application:To fulfill the purpose outlined in Ephesians 1:12, we can engage in the following actions:

• Deepen our relationship with Christ through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers.
• Seek opportunities to share the Gospel and testify to God’s transforming power in our lives.
• Live with integrity, demonstrating Christ-like character in our interactions with others.
• Engage in acts of service and love towards those in need, showing the compassion and grace of God.
• Continually praise and worship God, both privately and corporately, as an expression of gratitude for His work in our lives.

Remember, Ephesians 1:12 highlights the purpose for which we have been saved-to bring praise to God’s glory. May we strive to fulfil this purpose and bring honour to Him in all that we do.