Is God Fair? (Part two)

Last time we talked about the question “Is God Fair?”  By the world’s definition, (everyone gets treated the same) we certainly cannot say that God is fair.  If He were fair we would all spend eternity in hell paying for our sins.  But the discussion cannot stop there.

Just as we escape the punishment we deserve as sinners, our position in Christ lets us enjoy incredible riches.  Two weeks ago our Sunday School class completed a study of Ephesians.You can’t spend any time in Ephesians without being overwhelmed with gratitude for the riches we receive as followers of Jesus Christ.  Paul starts out in Ephesians 1:1 with a greeting to the “Saints who... are faithful in Christ Jesus”.  Paul is clear that Ephesians is written to Christians and not unbelievers.  These riches are only for believers.  

Let’s take a quick look at some of these riches that we, as Christians (and only Christians) enjoy. 

In Ephesians 1:3 Paul says “We are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ”.  Paul then breaks down the blessings that we enjoy because of our relationship with God through Christ.  These riches are possible as a result of the work of the Father (vs. 4-6) the Son (Vs. 7-12) and the Holy Spirit (vs. 13-14).  All of these are exclusive to us who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

All through Ephesians Paul talks about the enormity of the blessings God has made available to us.  Paul speaks of "the riches of [God's] grace" (1:7), "the unsearchable riches of Christ" (3:8), and "the riches of His glory” (3:16). Paul uses several terms in Ephesians to describe the riches that are given to us as believers.  Specifically he refers to "riches" five times; "grace" twelve times; "glory" eight times; "inheritance" four times.  God has not only made these riches available to us, He has made available to us the fullness of Himself (3:19), Christ (4:13), and the Holy Spirit (5:18).

Ephesians 1:18 says we have the fullness of "the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints".  Paul prayed in Ephesians 3:19 that we "might be filled up to all the fullness of God". He also desired that all believers know "the unfathomable riches of Christ” Ephesians 3:8, and then reminded us the “Christ is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or thing, according to the power that works within us (Christians)” (Ephesians 3:20).   God has the resources to not only forgive and cover our sins, but also meet our every past, present, and future needs.

All of these riches are uniquely ours because of the fact that we are "in Christ”.  That phrase “In Christ” is repeated fifteen times throughout Ephesians for emphasis.  Romans 8:17 says that what God has given to His Son, Jesus Christ, is also ours because we have become "joint heirs with Christ”.  And this refers to all believers (Hebrews 2:11).   First Corinthians 6:17 says, "The one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him”.   All His riches are at the Believers disposal. The apostle Peter called it "an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you" (1 Peter. 1:4).

We did not earn these riches, they are ours because of God's mercy, which is emphasized throughout Ephesians. We as believers are heirs to these riches because it is God’s will (1:5, 9, 11), God’s grace (1:6-7),God’s love (2:4), and God’s good pleasure (1:9).  It is only because we are chosen by God.

So the next time you hear someone say that God is fair, make sure you understand what is meant by fair.  As believers in Christ we do not get what we deserve for our sin.  And we receive an inheritance, riches and blessings which are totally underserved.  On the other hand unbelievers will receive eternal punishment for sins and do not partake of the incredible riches of God.  Thank you God for your love, grace and unmerited riches which you bestow upon us, your children.