How does Luke 1:28 connect with Ephesians 1:6 on God's favor?

Key Texts

Luke 1:28 — “And the angel came to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.’”

Ephesians 1:6 — “to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the Beloved.”

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Shared Language of Favor

• Both passages pivot on the Greek verb “χαριτόω” (charitoō)

– Luke 1:28: Mary is “κεχαριτωμένη” (“endowed with grace,” perfect passive participle).

– Ephesians 1:6: God has “ἐχαρίτωσεν” (“graced,” aorist active indicative) all believers.

• The word signals a decisive, divine action that bestows unearned favor.

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The Source of Favor

• Favor originates wholly with God:

– Luke 1:28: “The Lord is with you.”

– Ephesians 1:6: “in the Beloved” (Christ).

• Other supporting texts: John 1:16; Titus 3:5–7.

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Recipients of Favor

• Mary stands as an individual example—chosen for a unique role in salvation history.

• In Ephesians, believers collectively receive the same divine grace through union with Christ.

• Thus Mary’s experience prefigures the church’s standing.

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Purpose of Favor

• Empowerment for calling:

– Mary: to conceive and bear the Messiah (Luke 1:31).

– Believers: “to the praise of His glorious grace” (Ephesians 1:6) and to walk in prepared works (Ephesians 2:10).

• Display of God’s glory: both texts stress that the favor magnifies Him, not the recipient.

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Continuity Across Scripture

• Pattern of grace-first-then-mission: Noah (Genesis 6:8), Gideon (Judges 6:12), Paul (1 Corinthians 15:10).

• God’s favor always precedes and enables obedience.

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Practical Takeaways

• Rest in Gospel certainty: the same gracious God who favored Mary has “freely given” grace to every believer.

• Walk in humble confidence: divine favor equips, not inflates (James 4:6).

• Live for His praise: grace received becomes grace displayed (Matthew 5:16).