“In Christ” Signed | Sealed | Delivered

God & Work  We’re made in God’s image  Virgin birth  Sinless nature of Jesus’ life  God justifies us (instead of us trying to justify ourselves)  We have a living Saviour

“In Christ” Ephesians 1:3-14 (NIVUK) Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will – to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves.

“In Christ” Ephesians 1:3-14 (NIVUK) In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfilment – to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.

“In Christ” Ephesians 1:3-14 (NIVUK) In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of His glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation.

“In Christ” Ephesians 1:3-14 (NIVUK) Having believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession – to the praise of His glory.

“In Christ” How do we know we’re saved?

“In Christ” God’s greatest desires 1. Salvation Relationship with Him through Jesus 2. Eternal relationship Inconceivable that He would abandon us 3. Victorious living He doesn’t set us up for failure

“In Christ” 1Corinthians 10: 13 (NLT) The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure

“In Christ” Philippians 4:12-13 (TNIV) I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength

“In Christ” You’re not alone! Seal Represents ownership Represents ownership Certifies authenticity and genuineness Certifies authenticity and genuineness Confers authority Confers authority Ensures protection Ensures protection

“In Christ” Live to Work or Work to Live? Seal Represents ownership Represents ownership Certifies authenticity and genuineness Certifies authenticity and genuineness Confers authority Confers authority Ensures protection Ensures protection We’re sealed Validates we’re God’s 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 The real thing Romans 8:16 Authorises us to act Ephesians 3:16-21 Shields and safeguards 1Peter 1:3-5

“In Christ” Lifetime Guarantee Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come 2Corinthians 1:21-22 (NIVUK)

“In Christ” Moving Onwards  When did I receive Jesus as my Saviour and the Holy Spirit as God’s gift to me? An opportunity today!  How convinced am I that God will keep me? In what areas do I find this difficult to believe?  In whom or what will I trust? Me | other people | the circumstances | my heavenly Father