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#23 Ephesians

Eph 2:14 For he is our peace,

Understand that the wrath that was poured out upon Christ should have been on us!  Since he took our punishment, when we trust in his sacrifice, we get peace with God.

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (Rom 5:1)

…who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

Both refers to Israel and Gentiles together in one body.  In times past, when God set apart Israel for himself, a Gentile could only access God through them. There was a wall between the two groups.  This wall was wrapped up in the covenant promises and the law.  Thankfully, God used Israel’s rejection of Christ to break down the wall that separated us. Now anyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from, can have access to God through faith in Christ, apart from the law, (Rom 10:4) apart from covenants, (Rom 11:27) and apart from Israel, (Rom 11:11-12).  This is a great mystery ~ that we make up one body in Christ!

Eph 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances;

Okay, if you’re like me, the words abolished, enmity and ordinances don’t come out of your mouth very often, and even if they did, they probably wouldn’t be in the same sentence.  The idea here is that Christ destroyed the enemy that sentenced you to death, which was the law, (because no one can keep the law!).  Jesus kept the law perfectly so that when he died on the cross, death was destroyed as well.  By believing in his death, burial and resurrection you are set free from the law so that you cannot be condemned for not keeping the law!  To put it another way, once you are in the Body of Christ, you are no longer under the law, but are dead to the law, because Christ fulfilled the requirement of the law for you.

…ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; (Rom 7:4a)

…for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

Again, Paul reiterates that two bodies which encompass both Jew and Gentile, have been made into one new man being in Christ.  He doesn’t say that Gentiles are now made into Israel, or that Israel is no longer Israel but Gentiles…no!  He says, that together they make up one new body.  This is a new thing created in Christ which had never existed up until now, nor had been prophesied in the Old Testament.  2 Cor 5:17 talks about this.  It’s not just that you are the new creature, (it’s true that you had been made new when you believed) but this is talking about everyone who believes collectively makes up this new creature, which is called the body of Christ.

[understanding-the-mystery]

#22 Ephesians

Eph 2:11-12  Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

Why is it important for Paul to remind us of our past?  Good question!  Let’s pick out a few key phrases in the above verses to help us out.  You were:

Gentiles in the flesh

Uncircumcision

Without Christ

Aliens from the commonwealth of Israel

Strangers from covenant promises

Having no hope

Without God

It’s important for Paul to remind us of our past because quite literally, we had no past relationship with God.  In time past, God only dealt with Israel.  You can read more about that here and here.  

Eph 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

Whenever you read but now in Paul’s epistles, stop and put yourself in the present tense, because something significant changed.  Something that once was is no longer true of you.  In this case, the but now signifies an important placement.  In the past, you were far from God, not having access to him except through Israel, but now, by the blood of Christ, your faith in his work brings you (nigh) near. You are no longer those things listed above, you are a new creature in Christ (2 Cor 5:17). But now, God has joined both Jew and Gentile together making one new body apart from covenants and the law,  (Eph 2:15).

But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Rom 3:21 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. Rom 7:6 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: Rom 16:26 But now are they many members, yet but one body. 1 Cor 12:20

Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, But now is made manifest to his saints: Col 1:26

We are blessed to live in the “BUT NOW!”

[understanding-the-mystery]

#21 Ephesians

Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus…

We are HIS workmanship, emphasis on HIS!  He created this body of believers; it’s his work!  He gets all the glory!  We did nothing to earn it, nor do we deserve it.  He baptized us into his body and sealed us by his Holy Spirit when we believed the message of the cross and resurrection.  

2 Cor 5:17 says: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

The workmanship that God made by bringing both Jews and Gentiles together into one body without covenants, without Israel, without the law or any other condition, but only by grace, through faith in Christ Jesus is the new creature. We are that peculiar people mentioned in Titus 2:14

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Adam was created in the image of God.  After he sinned, his offspring were born in Adam’s own image, not Gods.  Since you were born in Adam’s image, after you heard the gospel, and then believed, and trusted in the truth of that word, you were made new in Christ, once again, after the image of God.  Because Christ is the image of God, those who are in Christ are now made in the image of God, Christ being the first born of every creature. Col 1:15

…unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

To do the good works that were ordained by him is to tell others about his offer of salvation by grace through faith in Christ.  It’s not about serving food to the homeless, or volunteering with childcare at church, or helping with vacation Bible school, or visiting the sick or elderly.  These activities are wonderful, and clearly, we should do them, but if we are not helping others to understand the Gospel of the Grace of God while doing these helpful activities, this sort of work will be burnt up at the judgment seat of Christ (2 Cor  5:10).  Without the gospel of the grace of God being preached, these activities, by themselves, are among the wood, hay and stubble mentioned in 1 Cor 3:9-15.

Do the good works that are representative of a new creature in Christ!  Tell others about the mystery of the cross!

“There is no requirement to become a saint, but there is a responsibility in being one.”     ~ Justin Johnson, Grace Ambassadors’ Pastor.

[understanding-the-mystery]

#20 Ephesians

Eph 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

The well is deep here!  As ambassadors of God’s grace, we cannot exhaust the principals we find in these verses. This is where the Gospel of the Grace of God lives!

The gift is how God can save any sinner at any time in history, no matter what dispensation they lived in.  It’s BY grace THROUGH faith.  It’s not of works!. The work was done for us by Christ so that God, by his grace, can now offer this free gift that is simply received by the sinner.

Our salvation is unearned and undeserved.  We can do nothing, but God did everything. The means for which salvation is given is BY HIS GRACE.  We access this salvation by the channel of faith.  What is your faith in?  This might be where some people get tripped up.  It’s not in man-made laws, church constitutions, regulatory ordinances, or sacraments.  The object of belief is the work that Christ did on the cross for us.  You cannot add anything to this.  

It’s not of ourselves.  No one is entitled to it.  We do not deserve it.  God didn’t look at us and say, “He’s so special, I’m going to save him.”  No!  God is so full of love that he can look at us, through his son, who paid the ultimate price for our sins, and through faith, we are justified by his grace.

Rom 3:26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

What is the gift?  The power of salvation through the Gospel of Christ is the gift.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Rom 1:16

In times past, God only dealt with Israel. Gentiles didn’t have access or a pathway to God except through Israel.  In order to receive even a blessing and especially salvation, you had to become a proselyte.  But the gospel of Christ is the power of God to all who believe because God did the work of salvation through Christ.

Rom 3:22-24 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:  23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The free gift of God (that cost him everything and us nothing!) is the salvation that you find through Christ’s finished work on the cross. Since it’s God doing the work, it’s not a matter of who you are, it’s a matter of who he is and what he’s done!  There is no boasting on our part! The only thing we can and should boast in is the cross, (Gal 6:14).

Rom 3:27-28 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.  28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

Rom 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Faith is not a work.  Faith is acknowledging what you hear to be true.  Hearing is not a work, either. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God, (Rom 10:17).  God gave you ears to hear.  You listened and agreed that what you heard is true.  Once you believed, you were baptized into Christ’s death, sealed by the Holy Spirit, and declared righteous because of Christ’s finished work on your behalf.  Share that!!

[understanding-the-mystery]

#19 Ephesians

Eph 2:4-5 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

If you still consider and refer to yourself as a sinner, try to break that habit.  You were a sinner, you were dead in your sins, but God has quickened you, made you alive in Christ and you are no longer a sinner.  Your position has changed and for you to think of yourself as a sinner when you are in Christ is to make Christ a sinner, and this can never be since his life was lived perfectly before dying for you and rising from the dead to save you.

The fact that you were dead and God made you alive in Christ exalts God’s grace, mercy and love even more than if you would have lived your life in perfect righteousness, (which is impossible, anyway.) Your sins were never a stumbling block for God because he already knew that he was going to die to atone for your sins, and offer his love and saving grace to you.  The problem arises when people are dead in their sin and reject God’s offer of grace, forgiveness, mercy and love, never putting their faith in Christ.

God had planned from the foundation of the world to save mankind through his love, mercy, and grace which magnifies him even more because love, mercy and grace cannot exist without someone receiving them.

Look at what Paul says in Romans 5:6-11 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.  7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.  10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.  11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

Did you notice all the time elements in these verses?  Before you believed you were…and after you believed, something changed.    

You are in Christ, being crucified with him after believing, and he is in you. The life you live after that, going forward by faith is your walk or condition.   Gal 2:20 brings those two ideas together into one verse, showing your position and condition in Christ.

20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Eph 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

There are no time-past references in this verse only the present where we sit, positionally with Christ and in the future where we will be blessed even more with God’s amazing grace.  This is the only place in your KJB where the term ages to come shows up and it’s talking about us!  Let that sink in, church!

[understanding-the-mystery]

#18 Ephesians

Eph 2:4 But God,

It’s going to be incredibly hard to get past those first two little words, BUT GOD. This is the theme of the Gospel of the Grace of God.  This is the heart of our Christian walk.  But God!  God did something, everything!  It’s never us, never our works, never our desires, never our philosophy, never our man-made anything, But God.

1 Cor 1:26-29 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:  27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;  28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:  29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.

If you’ve heard the gospel, you are the called.  Now, look around.  Do you see many wise men preaching this gospel?  Do you hear many mighty men, many noble men preaching this gospel?  Why not?  Because to them, this gospel is foolishness.  It lowers their status with their peers.  It brings them down to those of whom they think they are greater than.  It weakens their self-esteem.  

Because God chose to save us by his grace and not by our works, status, intelligence, ability, etc., we are trophies of his grace.  In fact, the more natural ability, intelligence, exalted earthly position you have, the more that gets in the way of you preaching God’s grace to others because they look at your accomplishments instead of God who should be getting the glory, praise and honor for all that he has done to get you where you are.

1 Cor 2:9-10 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.  10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

In Isaiah’s day, they could not know everything that God had planned for them, but God is not keeping anything hidden any longer.  He has revealed all that we need to know about him, his plan and his purpose through his completed, written word.

1 Cor 3:6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

I can’t make you believe what I’m telling you.  I can only do what I know to do by blogging, or talking about it in person, making it possible for you to hear the truth and then pray that God opens your heart to see his offer of grace towards you. God is the one that saves.  God is the one that gives the increase.  I’m praying for you, dear reader!  

[understanding-the-mystery]

#17 Ephesians

In case you joined us late, this is the 17th post of a line-by-line study in the Book of Ephesians.  Chapter 1 of Ephesians details our position in Christ. Paul prays for us that we might know and understand the weightiness of our position in Christ, including the high calling, the riches of Christ and the hope that awaits us when we finally get to be with him in heaven.

In chapter 2, God does something that creates a change in us.  Paul explains how our position changed after we believed in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Before we were dead, but now we have been made alive.  Before we walked under the power of darkness but now we walk according to the power of the light.  Before we were sinners, but now we are saints. Our condition changed, therefore we are now saints because of what Christ did for us.

There’s a difference between our position and our condition.  Our position is who we are in Christ: our identity, our place, our job title, so to speak.  Our condition is what we do in Christ: our performance, our state, our walk in the body.  During this dispensation, our condition does not nullify our position when we neglect to live correctly (Let’s call it what it is; it’s sin) as it did under Jewish law and Israel’s covenant agreement.  What we do does not determine who we are because Christ did it all for us!  We had nothing to do with it.  We are the recipients of his grace with all the riches, privilege, and benefits of an established position, predestined in him, who is perfect, therefore, because we now know and understand who we are, we can determine to walk accordingly in order that our condition matches our position.

In other words, you are not who you are based on what you do. You are who you are based on what Christ has done for you!  If you continue to call yourself a sinner, you do not understand your position in Christ because he is not a sinner and you are in him.  It’s not that you don’t sin anymore (we all still sin) but you are not considered a sinner (in God’s eyes) because you have believed in the sinless one (Jesus) who took your place. Change your thinking about this and rest in your position in him who is perfect and sinless!

Many people are under the assumption that they cannot be a saint, as Paul calls us until their behavior changes to match that description.  They might even say, “I’m a sinner saved by grace!”  I know their intentions are good when they say this, (I’ve said it before, as well) but if you identify yourself as a sinner once you’ve been saved, you don’t understand that God changed you the instant you believed.  Rather than saying, “I’m a sinner saved by grace,” why not rather say, “I was a sinner, but I was saved when I believed in the Gospel of the Grace of God, and now I’m a servant of righteousness and a member of the Body of Christ!”?  It may take a few extra seconds to explain this to someone, but at least you’d be sharing the truth of your new position according to the gospel that Paul is trying desperately to teach us.

I hope this is all making sense.  If not, please feel free to reach out to me by Facebook IM, or email with any questions.

[understanding-the-mystery]

#16 Ephesians

Eph 2:2b …according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

The prince of the power of the air is Satan, (John 16:11) who was kicked out of heaven when he committed the first sin of the universe.  Isa 14:12-15 chronicles the fall of Satan with the five “I will’s.”

How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!  13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:  14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

Notice his first desire was to ascend into heaven… he was already in heaven but this power-seeking lust was to go even higher than the position God had already given him.   He wanted to exalt his throne above the stars (angels).  He was in charge over other angels but wanted even more power than what God had already given him. He wanted his throne to sit alongside God’s throne in the sides of the north, above the clouds and BE like the most High.  His purpose was not to destroy God; that would be impossible and even the devil knows this.  No, Satan’s purpose was to be like God and share in his position, power, authority, and praise.  His M.O. is to convince you that it’s okay to worship yourself like he did.

Eph 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

To put yourself in the place of dispensing moral judgment and deciding your own future, purpose, and identity, is to make yourself god. This is the same spirit that worked in us, whether we knew it or not, before we believed and were changed from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light. (Acts 26:18, Col 1:13).

Our praise should only and always be to the one true God and we need to guard against the false teachers and deceitful workers that are Satan’s ministers today, (2 Cor 11:13-15).  Don’t believe the big lie of worshiping the creature more than the Creator, (Rom 1:25).  This is no easy task in today’s world where everything and everybody is vying for our attention and praise. Part of walking in the spirit is learning how to renew our minds daily and conscientiously allowing God’s spirit to control our lives.  No doubt this will take a lifetime and we’ll never get it right 100% of the time.  Thankfully, God is extremely patient with us and his grace abounds far beyond what we can ask or think.  

[understanding-the-mystery]

#15 Ephesians

Eph 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

Chapter two of Ephesians is going to teach us about being separated.  Another word for separated is sanctified.  We were spiritually dead, separated from God because of our sin, but through believing in Christ’s finished work on the cross we are made alive (quickened).  Because Christ rose from the dead by his own power, his spirit gives life to those who believe.

Eph 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, Notice that there is a time element mentioned here.  Time past, or before something happened.  Before we believed and trusted the gospel of the Grace of God we walked like the rest of the unbelieving world.  We walked according to the lust of our eyes and the want of our flesh with misplaced desires for ourselves rather than for God and his will, (2 Tim 3:4 ).

What is the course of this world? It’s the present evil age (Gal 1:4) in the custody of the enemy, (2 Cor 4:4,) who has blinded the unbeliever to the truth of the glorious gospel of Christ.   Rom 1:18-32 details the world’s course.

We are a three-part being: body, soul and spirit. Our default nature is prone to lust which is a desire to please ourselves above anyone else including God.

1 John 2:16 talks about the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life…this is the definition of the course of this world.

The lust of the flesh is seeking my own pleasure.  What have I done in my life?  What experiences have I had?  What pleases me?

The lust of the eyes is seeking possessions.  How much can I get?  I want more than my neighbor has.  It’s all about getting more stuff and it’s never enough.

The pride of life is seeking power or praise.  My position in society, work, intelligence, beauty, etc., is above everyone else’s.  What can I be so that other people will bring me praise?

In order to understand and appreciate God’s grace, we need to feel the gravity and the eternality of our sin.  We still live in a fleshly body and we need to fight the desires of those things that will easily entangle us back into the course of this world.  The fight against these things is how we learn to walk after the spirit!  

Forego seeking temporal pleasure in exchange for seeking the eternal glory of Christ.

Forego seeking possessions, for the riches and glory in Christ that are already yours.  

Forego seeking your own praise for the praise of others and even more so God.

This is walking in the spirit and not after the flesh.  

[understanding-the-mystery]

#14 Ephesians

Ephesians 1:21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion,...

We know that right now Christ is reigning in heaven as our Head.  That position has never been, nor will ever be usurped by the enemy.  But Satan won the deed to rule and reign over the earth when Adam sinned so, for now, we fight against this present evil age, (Eph 6:12). Jesus reigns FAR ABOVE all principalities, power, might, and dominion even though it may seem chaotic down here on earth right now.

…and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; (Phil 2:9-10)

What’s in a name?  Well, if it’s the name of Jesus, and it’s God’s son, then everything! Because Jesus is God!  His glorious rule and reign will be proven when the last thing, death, is finally put under his feet. (1Cor 15:24-26)

Eph 1:22-23 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body...

Christ was given to be the head of this body, this new creature that was made to include everyone and anyone who would believe in His finished work, (Col 1:18, 3:10-11).  Christ living in us, by grace, through faith, is the mystery that Paul preaches!  (Col 1:27) We are complete in him! (Col 2:10)

2 Tim 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

Understanding his calling, his riches, and his power in us by his grace is the knowledge of Christ according to the mystery, (Eph 1:17-19).  We should be moving heaven and earth to gain this knowledge by studying his word (2 Tim 2:15). Christ, our head is in heaven.  The rest of the body remains here on earth.  We wait, patiently, for his glorious appearing at the rapture of the church.  It is then that we will be physically joined together and recognize the fullness of all the unsearchable riches of Christ in us.

…the fullness of him that filleth all in all.

Christ fills all things by being in all things both in heaven and on earth.  When the fullness of time has come in, everything will be in him.

That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: Eph 1:10,

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:  Col 1:16

“This is the mystery: that Christ risen from the dead, seated at the right hand of God, is the Head and those who believe on Him constitute the Church, His body. This body is destined, according to the eternal purpose of God, to share the glory of the Head. This purpose is still in the future. The administration (or dispensation) of the fulness of times has not yet come. When it comes, all things, both which are in heaven and which are on earth, will be headed up in Christ.  Only He knows the exact time when the crowning event in the history of the Church, the gathering of the saints of God to meet Him in the air will take place. Perhaps in His infinite mercy He may still tarry to add more members to His Body, His own fullness, which filleth all in all” – (1942) – A.C. Gaebelein

I can’t wait for that day!

[understanding-the-mystery]

#13 Ephesians

Eph 1:20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead,

Some might say that creation was the greatest evidence of God’s power.  After all, creating everything from nothing is pretty big!  What about turning water into wine?  Or feeding 5,000 men, twice!?  Those are indeed great, but not exceedingly great.  The greatest of God’s power revealed is the resurrection of a dead man!  But it doesn’t even stop there.  Christ was raised from the dead, walked around on earth for more than a month and then ascended into heaven…not just spiritually, but bodily.  The apostles, quite literally watched Jesus go up into heaven until they just couldn’t see him any longer.

…and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Christ sits in his bodily form in an exalted position at the right hand of God in heaven right now.  Because of his resurrection, by the power of God, his position encompasses all blessing, all authority, all power, all inheritance, all judgment, above everything! (Col 1:16)

This is why Paul’s gospel is more excellent than Peter’s gospel, (2 Tim 2:8). Under the mystery revealed, Christ’s real purpose for rising from the dead, was so that he would be placed above all things, creating a spiritual body that would inherit all the riches and all the power that is only found in him.  Without the resurrection we have none of that.

Peter’s gospel taught that Christ rose from the dead to fulfill prophecy and that he would come back to earth and reign as the King of Israel on earth.  This is a great truth and glorious for Israel who is waiting for her salvation and kingdom rule when Jesus returns to earth.

We don’t have to wait like Israel, though! Christ has given us this resurrection power right now! (Rom 6:3-5, 8:11).  It’s the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ unto salvation for those that believe, (Rom 1:16).  We have something far greater and more excellent than Israel had under their covenant.  Grace! (2 Cor 3:9-10).  

Phil 3:8-10 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,  9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:  10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

Our faith is in the power of God; the resurrection proves that he is God, and is not in the wisdom of men, (1 Cor 2:5)

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.  Eph 3:20-21

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might, (Eph 6:10).

[understanding-the-mystery]

#12 Ephesians

Continuing on from my previous post, Paul continues his prayer that we would be enlightened with the understanding of some very important doctrinal issues: 

The hope of HIS calling

The riches of HIS inheritance

The exceeding greatness of HIS power in us!  

If these three things seem strange to you it’s because no one has prayed this kind of prayer in all of scripture until now!  Paul prays it by the revelation that was given to him from Jesus Christ.  You can learn all you want about God’s attributes from the Old Testament.  You can learn everything you need to know and understand about Jesus living on this earth and proving himself to be God in the flesh, but what Paul teaches here is gloriously different and exceedingly greater!  

Eph 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened;

How does someone get enlightened in order to understand?  They hear the true gospel, (Rom 10:17) believe it, and are instantly sealed with the Holy Spirit. After this comes an understanding of the scripture (1Co 2:12-13) through good, solid Bible study, (2 Tim 2:15).

...that ye may know what is the hope of his calling,

A good study would be the word ‘calling’ in Paul’s epistles.  You’ll soon discover that this is not talking about our earthly vocation.  This calling is higher than anything on earth, (1Co 1:2, Ep 4:1, 4, Col 3:15) and it starts with being in the body of Christ, preaching the gospel of the grace of God, fulfilling the will of God to make all men see what is the mystery of the grace of God, (Eph 3:9).

...and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

Where do we find the riches that God offers?  In his Son!  The riches are attached to Christ.  They are so vast and so great that Paul says they are unsearchable! (Eph 3:8)  Everything he has – you have!  Being in HIM guarantees your inheritance, (Eph 2:5-7, 3:6, Rom 8:17).

19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, The power is not of ourselves but is exercised by faith in Christ’s work in us, (2 Cor 4:7) and comes from the Holy Spirit.

When Christ says: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness,” (2 Cor 12:9) What does he mean?  He means His Calling, His Inheritance, His Power…All the things he has given us is everything he has given to himself in glory, and it’s not just adequate, but beyond abounding, and more than enough.  It’s so much that you couldn’t ask for more because more could not even be given!  You have it ALL!  It’s just that you may not see it.  This is why Paul prays that our eyes be opened to these riches in Christ!

[understanding-the-mystery]

#11 Ephesians

Eph 1:15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,  16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

This is the beginning of Paul’s prayer for the saints who are in Christ. He’s heard of their faith in Jesus and their love for all the saints which is encouraging to him. They are on his mind constantly, so naturally, he prays for them, unceasingly.

We are also told to pray without ceasing, (1 Thess 5:17).  This doesn’t mean it’s the only thing you should do all day long, but that you should continue the practice of prayer until it becomes second nature.  It shouldn’t be a burden, but it is a privilege!  Praying builds our faith.  Without prayer, our faith would wither and die.  Christ is our head.  Prayer is where we find the connection to that head with our bodies while still on earth.

Eph 1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom

Paul prayers that God would give them the “spirit of wisdom.”  Paul defines what the spirit of wisdom is in 1Cor 1:24.  Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God! So Paul is praying that they get Christ!

…and revelation in the knowledge of him: We can’t know anything of God until he reveals it to us.  It’s a mystery until it is disclosed or discovered.  I had been a Christian for over 40 years and never knew the importance of the mystery of Christ until just a couple of years ago. Now that my eyes have been opened to the truth of his word, it makes sense that I should share it whenever possible.  

True knowledge comes from God alone.  The only place to find this knowledge is in the full inspired revelation of God’s written word revealed.  

Col 1:26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints  

1 Cor 2:9-10 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

This is a direct quote from Isaiah, who didn’t know what riches in Christ were because it had not been revealed to him.  But we have the riches of Christ, and we can know!!!

Col 2:3 in whom (Christ) are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge

[understanding-the-mystery]

#10 Ephesians

Eph 1:12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 

(Eph 1:6, 12, 14). We don’t deserve his grace.  Everything we have, everything we are, and everything we will be when the fulness of times has come in is to the praise of his glory!  Magnify Him because of his purpose and his will for you in Christ!

Eph 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: How do we get the Holy Spirit?  How do we get in Christ?  There’s an order to salvation. First, you hear the gospel that Christ died, was buried and then raised from the dead, (1 Cor 15:1-4).  You believe the message and trust Christ’s finished work to pay your sin debt.  Nothing further than that is required.  You are immediately sealed by the Holy Spirit.  I know it’s popular to walk down an aisle, give a testimony of faith, get water baptized, and even say the “sinner’s prayer,” but none of these things contribute to your salvation.  These are works that are required by misled, and ignorant-of-the-truth denominational leaders or church groups.  Christ did the work; we do nothing but believe that work.

…in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Once you are sealed by the Holy Spirit, God dwells in you forever, (1 Cor 3:16). You cannot lose your salvation and he doesn’t leave you when you sin.  This is different than when David prayed “Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.” (Ps 51:11) Why?  Because it was possible that God might take away his spirit from one to whom it was given if they sinned against him.  This happened to both Samson and Saul, (Jud 16:20, 1Sam 16:14).  God dealt with man differently at that time; it’s not like that today.  It’s simply not possible during this dispensation.

We live in the “but now.” Once the Spirit of promise is given, it’s a done deal.  He will never, ever leave you…ever!  You are sealed and that means God knows you!  You are a son/daughter/heir and he knows his own! (Gal 4:6-9, 2 Tim 2:19) We have the privilege of calling him Father now that we are his adopted children, (Rom 8:15).

Eph 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. The Holy Spirit is given to the believer as a pledge or assurance to the future promise of our redemptive bodies in Christ.  This is not speaking of the redemption from our sins, Christ paid that price already.  Someday, our earthly bodies will be redeemed from the corruption that we are subject to while living in a world where sin rules, to the praise of his glory.

Rom 8:23 “…even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.”

[understanding-the-mystery]

#9 Ephesians

Eph 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times 

The word dispensation shows up 4 times in the Bible; all of them being in Paul’s epistles.  In the verse above, Paul is speaking of a time period that is yet to be. This will occur when ‘the fulness of times’ is instituted.  The fullness of times is when all things are brought together in Christ, and when the last enemy, death, is finally and permanently defeated. (Eph 1:22-23)

…he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: What things?  Besides Israel (people and things pertaining to the earth, prophecy and the kingdom program) and the Body of Christ (people and things pertaining to heaven, the mystery, and the church) Paul lists a number of other things in Col 1:16 that will be brought together in Christ in the fullness of times.  This is where the two-fold plan of God is finally recognized and complete!  

Col 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

Col 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth or things in heaven.

Eph 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, This is a big deal because we, being Gentiles, were never promised an inheritance like Israel was, but since we have been adopted as sons and are IN CHRIST (Eph 1:5), we now have an inheritance that has been predestinated, according to the purpose of God’s will, to the glory of his grace.  What do we receive in this inheritance?  Christ in you, the hope of glory, the unsearchable riches of Christ, and the hope of his calling, to name a few! Col 1:27, Eph 3:6-8, Eph 1:18 

There are at least 9 different things listed in Ephesians chapter 1 that are included in our inheritance:

1:3-6 – We are chosen in him, adopted as sons, and accepted in Christ.

1:7-12 – We are redeemed by his blood, he abounds toward us, and gives us an inheritance.

1:13-14 – He reveals to us the mystery, seals us by the Holy Spirit and is our earnest of this inheritance.

…being predestinated This is not the preselection of people being saved or condemned as Calvin taught, but a predetermination of our destination to be In Christ!  Our destiny lies in God’s purpose to bring glory to himself by gathering all things together in Christ.

…according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will It’s all about and according to His purpose, His will, and His Glory; not ours, (Rom 8:28, Eph 1:9, 1:11, 3:11, 2 Tim 1:9)  lest we should be puffed up and magnified.

[understanding-the-mystery]

#8 Ephesians

Before we go any further I wanted to head off a seemingly controversial term: dispensation, or dispensationalism.  We need to explore this a bit because Paul talks about it twice in Ephesians (Eph 1:10, Ep 3:2) and once in both 1 Corinthians and Colossians, (1 Cor 9:17, Col 1:25).

Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines dispensation as that which is dispensed or bestowed; a system of principles and rites enjoined; as the Mosaic dispensation; or the gospel dispensation;

In effect, a dispensation is a certain period of time that is dispensed by God whereby he deals with man in a certain way and expects man to learn, follow and institute that purpose and will within that time frame.  

One way to think about is to study the 7 Dispensations of the Ages:

Age of Innocence: Between the Creation and the Fall of Man (Genesis 2-3) Age of Conscience: Between the Fall and the Flood (Genesis 4-8) Age of Human Government: From the Flood to Abraham (Genesis 9-11) Age of Promise: From Abraham to Moses (Genesis 12-15) Age of Law: From Moses to Acts 7 (Exodus 1– Acts 7) Age of Grace: From Paul’s salvation to the Rapture of the Church (Acts 9 – Philemon) Age of The Kingdom: The 1000 Year Reign of Christ beginning with the 2nd Coming (Hebrews – Revelation)

Another way of looking at dispensational Bible Study is through the words of Paul in Ephesians.  There are three distinct periods of time mentioned in Ephesians that are calculated as dispensations:

‘times past,’ (Eph 2:11-12) This time frame would encompass the first 5 dispensations mentioned above. ‘but now,’ (Eph 2:13) We live in the ‘but now,” the Age of Grace. ‘the ages to come,’ (Eph 2:7) This time frame is future; the Millennial Reign of Christ and on into eternity.

During each of these dispensations, or time periods, God is dealing with man in a distinct and certain way.  For instance in times past during Moses’ time on earth, people were under the law, but now (during the age of Grace that we live in) we have been set free from the law by the blood of Christ and his finished work.  The age of grace is a much different dispensation than the age of the law!

The most important thing to remember is that in every dispensation it’s always about God’s glory, purpose and will, not man’s… not ours!  The only thing we are capable of is agreeing or disagreeing with God’s will and purpose for our lives.

[understanding-the-mystery]

#7 Ephesians

Eph 1:8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us

Abound – to have or possess in great quantity.  Where does this abounding happen?  According to verse 7, in the riches of his grace towards us!  Abounding is not only sufficient but immeasurable.  Rom 5:20 says: “...But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:”  God abounds in grace and always gives over and above what we could ever ask or think.

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (2 Cor 9:8)

…in all wisdom and prudence;

The world doesn’t know this kind of wisdom, (1 Cor 1:21,25). This wisdom is God’s purpose and plan to save all of humanity through Christ.

To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord – Eph 3:10-11

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory – 1 Cor 2:7-8

Prudence is the practical wisdom of doing what God has revealed in his word now that we know and understand what his will is.  We’ll learn more about that in chapters 4-6 of Ephesians.

Eph 1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:   His will is no longer a mystery!  If you think it is and insist on “trying to figure it out” read this verse over and over until you believe it!  If you catch yourself or someone else saying, “God works in mysterious ways,” you might want to remind yourself or them that his will was made known by the revelation of the mystery given to Paul, (Rom 16:25-26).  The manifold wisdom of God is revealed to us through his word!

Be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. (Eph 5:17)

If you’re not sure, do a word search on ‘God’s will’ in the Pauline Epistles.  Read every occurrence and by the time you come to the end of over 100 times, you’ll have a nice list of what God’s will is and what he’s doing during this dispensation of the age of his grace. As an example, thankfulness comes from a gratitude of what’s been given to you.  When you appreciate what you have received freely you become more thankful…which is his will for our lives, (1 Thess 5:18).

We need God’s wisdom to act prudently.  We will never walk worthy of our position in Christ until we understand that position.  And how can we operate according to the works he predestined us to do in Christ by his grace if we don’t understand his will for us right now? The only way to get wisdom is to study his word and then do it!, (2 Tim 2:15).