Yesterday I was reminded about the promises of God to take us “through” the rivers of difficulties and the fires of trials in Isaiah 43. I also discovered that there are more than 800 uses of the English word “through” in our Bible translations. That is way more than I can study. I decided to just look at the use of the word “through” in one NT book, Ephesians.
The Greek word Paul used is “dia” and it means on account of, by the instrumentality of, by reason of, for the sake of, and because of. Wow. Here goes …
We have adoption through (dia) Jesus Christ [1:5]
We have redemption in Him on account of (dia) His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses [1:7]
We have the immeasurable riches of His grace because of (dia) His kindness to us in Christ Jesus [2:7]
We are saved by the instrumentality of (dia) His grace through faith – it is God’s gift [2:8]
We have access by one Spirit to the Father because of (dia) Him [2:18]]
We have boldness and confident access through (dia) faith in Him [3:12]
We have the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power in the inner man because of (dia) His Spirit [3:16]
The Messiah dwells in our hearts by reason of (dia) faith [3:17]
What a list: Adoption, Redemption, Forgiveness, Riches, Grace, Kindness, Salvation, Access, Boldness, Confidence, Strength, Power, Indwelling Spirit.
All that comes “through” what our Father provided for us in the sacrifice of His Son on the cross.
Thank you, Father, may we be eternally grateful. Amen.
