In him we (the Jews, no doubt) 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 put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you 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.

Ephesians 1:11 – 14

Paul, the zealous Jew, at the apex of his raging hate against Jews who loved Jesus, met Jesus and was changed top to bottom, we say, inside out!  We know Paul’s story. He was not seeking Christ, that is for sure, but it is also sure that Christ was seeking Paul!  So, the initiative was in the hands of Jesus Christ, not Paul.  That is how I read this scripture of God’s call.  The call of God is strong and purposeful.  Paul was convinced of that because he experienced it.

Writing to believing Jews, Paul reminded them they are marked, as believers, with a blazing mark – those who experience the ministry of the Holy Spirit of God who moves believers into their inheritance, the redemption of those who are God’s possession.  In Christ they now belong to God!  Can there be a higher blessing?

Jews and Gentiles are saved by Jesus Christ, by the same Blood, the same Holy Spirit, the same human longing to know God and to walk with Him.   I think this is the core of the meaning of this wonderful letter to the Ephesians. May it be so in our hearts today.