SSION

Ephes. i:13, 14; Rev. xii

We find in these words a truth revealed, which is quite often
overlooked by readers of this great Epistle. It is this: The purchased
possession, that which has been purchased for us, is yet to be
redeemed. There is a future redemption of the purchased possession.

The divine statement includes this fact, that believers are sealed with
the Holy Spirit of promise, and that He is the earnest or our
inheritance until the time when the redemption of the purchased
possession takes place.

And where do we find these words in this great chapter? If this
chapter is at all to be divided, it must be divided into two parts.
The first fourteen verses make the first part and then follows the
great prayer of the Spirit of God through the Apostle. The statement
which is before us for consideration is found at the end of the first
part, preceding the prayer of the Apostle.

And what precious truth this chapter up to the fourteenth verse
contains! It is indeed God's highest revelation concerning believing
sinners saved by Grace. There is nothing higher than that, which is
revealed here, and it is safe to say that God could not tell us
anything better and more precious than what He has told us in this
chapter.

First stands the greatest doxology of the Scriptures. "Blessed be the
God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every
spiritual blessing in the heavenlies in Christ." This takes it all
together. We are as believers of Christ united to Him, One with Him
and therefore we possess every spiritual blessing the God and Father of
our Lord Jesus Christ is capable of giving. Then follows the great
facts connected with our redemption in Christ. Here we find election,
predestination, adoption, or putting into the Son-place, Redemption,
the source of redemption as well as the prize of redemption.

Let us glance briefly at those glorious steps which lead up to our
verse. They are just seven.

We can only name them, much as we would like to ponder over each. 1.
We are chosen in Him before the foundation of the world. He thought of
us and loved us before ever a single thing had been created. 2. Marked
out for the Son-place through Jesus Christ. According to the good
pleasure of His will He has given us the place of a Son. 3. He has
taken us into the favor in the Beloved. In that beloved One we are
beloved forever accepted in Him. 4. We have redemption through Hi