Ephesians 1:11-14 Rescued and Kept

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.  Ephesians 1:11–14, ESV.
 
We live in a day where everyone is looking for some kind of guarantee. We want health insurance that will pay every medical expense, from our annual check-up to open-heart surgery. Car dealers offer plans that cover everything from oil changes to engine failure. We can buy maintenance plans for our homes that cover air filter changes, offer discounts for major appliance purchases, and will rebuild following a natural disaster. Americans are willing to pay large sums every month to avoid unplanned expenditures in the future.
 
I am extremely glad that we do not need a salvation warranty plan like that with God! As we come to Jesus, we find that we have been adopted into the family, granted an inheritance, plugged into God’s eternal plan for His glory, and sealed with the Holy Spirit. The message is clear: we who are saved are safe. We keep our salvation just as we receive it, by grace through faith. There is no such thing as deserved grace. When we get what we deserve that is a payment, or perhaps a reward. Grace is a gift to the undeserving. The good news of Ephesians 1:11-14 is that once we have received salvation, we need not fear its loss and we do not need to sign up for any kind of payment plan to cover unforeseen bumps in the road of our sanctification.
 
Given new hearts, we will, of course, live differently than the lost and dying world around us. But at the end of days when we stand before God, He will not be praising us for sticking so closely to the plan or following the rules so well. Instead, all of heaven and earth will praise Him for what He accomplished in rescuing and keeping sinners like us.
 
I am praying today that you will know the comfort of this truth and you will take some time to praise your faithful Lord.
 
Pastor Don