You Are Chosen, Redeemed, and Sealed: Four Life-Changing Blessings in Christ
An abstract of Connor Kraus’ sermon on September 14, 2025, in the Book of Ephesians series. Watch the sermon video here.
Have you ever wondered what makes Christianity different from just trying to be a good person? The answer isn't found in what we do for God, but in what God has already done for us. In his letter to the Ephesians, the apostle Paul opens with one of the most powerful passages in the entire Bible about who we are in Christ.
If you're exploring faith or wondering what it really means to be a Christian, this message is for you. Paul reveals four incredible blessings that belong to every person who trusts in Jesus - blessings that will change how you see yourself and how you live your life.
Why Jesus Is a Big Deal
Before diving into these blessings, it's important to understand something about the word "Christ." This isn't Jesus's first name - it's his title. "Christ" means "the anointed one" and refers to Jesus as the promised King, the Messiah that God's people had been waiting for centuries to arrive.
Paul uses this title repeatedly in his opening because he wants us to understand that Jesus isn't just a good teacher or moral example. He's the King of the universe, and everything about our relationship with God flows through him.
Throughout this passage, Paul keeps using the phrase "in Christ." This might sound strange - after all, Jesus lived 2,000 years ago, so how can we be "in" him? For Paul, this phrase describes both who we are and who we value. When you become a Christian, your entire identity gets wrapped up in Jesus. Your life is defined by your connection to him.
Blessing #1: You Are Chosen by the Father
Here's the first mind-blowing truth: before the world was even created, God the Father chose you. Not because of anything good you would do, but simply because he wanted you.
Paul writes that God "chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him." This happened before time itself existed. God looked ahead and said, "I want that person to be part of my family."
But there's more. God didn't just choose you for salvation - he chose you for adoption. In the ancient world, adopted children received all the same legal rights as biological children. Augustus Caesar, the first Roman emperor, was the adopted son of Julius Caesar. But your adoption is even greater - you've been adopted by the King of the universe.
What this means for your life: You can stop trying to earn God's approval like it's a test you might fail. God already set his love on you before you were born. When you feel rejected by people or struggle with insecurity, remember this truth: the Creator of the universe wanted you. If God chose you, no one else's rejection can define you.
Remember this: I am chosen, not forgotten.
Blessing #2: You Are Redeemed by the Son
Redemption is more than just forgiveness - it's freedom from slavery. Paul uses this word to describe being rescued from one master and restored to where you rightfully belong.
Just like God redeemed Israel from slavery in Egypt, Jesus redeemed you from spiritual slavery to sin and death. The price? His own blood poured out on the cross. This wasn't a last-minute plan either. God decided to save you before you ever chose to sin in the first place.
Paul reveals something incredible here: God's plan wasn't kept secret forever. What was once "top secret" has now been "declassified" through Jesus. And this plan has a shocking goal - all of creation will be redeemed and unified through Christ. Everything broken will be fixed, with Jesus as the divine fixer.
What this means for your life: Are you living like a freed person or like you're still in chains? Some people carry guilt around like heavy shackles, even though Jesus already broke them. Others keep returning to old sins as if the prison door is still locked. But redemption means the chains are gone and the door stands wide open. Step out into new life. If Jesus paid such a costly price for your freedom, don't live under shame or hold onto bitterness toward others.
Remember this: I am redeemed, not enslaved.
Blessing #3: You Have a Promised Inheritance
As if being chosen and redeemed wasn't enough, God also promises you an inheritance. Think about this: you were once a slave to sin, but now you've been brought into the King's house and given full rights as his child.
Paul doesn't go into detail here about what exactly this inheritance includes, but that's not really the point. The amazing thing is that you get an inheritance at all. You've already received salvation - something you clearly didn't deserve - and now God gifts you something else you don't deserve.
What this means for your life: An inheritance changes how you live today because of what you know is waiting tomorrow. If you knew you had an enormous inheritance secured, you wouldn't stress over every financial setback or cling to every dollar. In Christ, that's exactly your situation. You're an heir of the King, with treasures far beyond what this world offers. So don't waste your life chasing temporary riches. Hold loosely to your possessions and generously bless others, knowing your true wealth is guaranteed. When suffering comes, you can endure it with joy because you know what's waiting at the finish line.
Remember this: I am an heir, not a beggar.
Blessing #4: You Are Sealed by the Holy Spirit
Imagine holding a winning lottery ticket worth billions of dollars. How tightly would you grip it? You'd never let it out of your sight! But some Christians feel the same way about their faith - like it's a flimsy ticket that could fly away if they're not good enough.
God knows this fear, so he gave us his Holy Spirit as security. The Spirit is God himself dwelling within every person who hears and believes the gospel message. Paul uses two powerful images to describe what the Spirit does:
First, the Spirit is your seal. Think of a wax seal pressed with the King's ring - that's what marks you as God's property. You belong to God. You are protected by God. Your salvation is ensured by God.
Second, the Spirit is your down payment. He's like getting to open one of your Christmas presents early. Those who have the Spirit don't just have a promise - they've already received a portion of their future inheritance.
What this means for your life: The Spirit's presence means you are God's, and he isn't letting go. This pushes back against fear and doubt. Some people worry that if they mess up too many times, God will take away his promises. But the Spirit himself is God's guarantee, his "this one belongs to me" mark on your life. You can walk in confidence, not insecurity. When you doubt your salvation, lean into the Spirit. Pray for his comfort. Listen for his voice. Trust his power to transform you.
Remember this: I am sealed, not abandoned.
All For God's Glory
Throughout this passage, Paul keeps returning to one theme: all of this is "to the praise of his glory." These incredible blessings aren't just meant to make us feel good about ourselves. They're meant to point us toward worship.
When we truly grasp that we've been chosen, redeemed, promised an inheritance, and sealed by the Spirit, our natural response should be praise. Not because we have to, but because we can't help it.
Living Out These Truths
These aren't just nice theological concepts to discuss in Bible study. These truths are meant to change how you live every single day:
When insecurity hits, remember you are chosen
When guilt weighs you down, remember you are redeemed
When you're worried about the future, remember your inheritance
When you doubt your faith, remember you are sealed
This is where the Christian life begins - not with your effort to reach God, but with recognizing what God has already done for you. Not with what you can do for him, but with what he has already accomplished through his Son.
Your Response Matters
If you're still exploring what it means to follow Jesus, these truths reveal the heart of the gospel. Christianity isn't about working your way to God - it's about receiving what God freely offers through Christ.
If you're already a Christian, let these truths sink deep into your heart. You don't have to strive for God's approval or live in fear of losing your salvation. You are chosen, redeemed, promised an inheritance, and sealed. These are gifts of grace, not rewards for good behavior.
Ready to Learn More?
Whether you're taking your first steps of faith or you've been walking with Jesus for years, there's always more to discover about God's incredible grace. We'd love to have you join us as we continue exploring the book of Ephesians together.
Come as you are, with all your questions and curiosity. Join us this Sunday at 9:00 or 10:30 a.m. to dive deeper into what it means to live out these amazing blessings in everyday life.