Author: iolaHC

I am an Artwork in progress

Access by One Spirit

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Ephesians 2:18-22 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together grow unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom you also are built together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. 

‘Through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.’ Ten works of Christ: He died for us (2:13). He became our peace (2:14). He made Jews and Gentiles one (2:14-16). He broke down the wall of partition between Jews and Gentiles (2:14-16). He abolished the law (2:15). He made peace between Jews and Gentiles (2:15-16). He reconciled men to God (2:16). He slew the enmity between Jews and Gentiles (2:15-16). He preached peace to all men (2:17). He made access to God for all (2:18).

‘Him’ – Another clear reference and proof of a Trinity of separate and distinct Persons in the Godhead (1Jn. 5:7).

‘Access’ [Greek: prosagoge] the privilege of entrance (3:12; Rom. 5:2).

‘No more strangers and foreigners’ – No longer strangers and foreigners [Greek: paroikos] sojourners (Acts 7:6, 29; 1Pet. 2:11), but citizens with equal rights with the saints and of all who are of God’s household (2:19; Php. 2:20).

‘Household’ [Greek: oikeios] the domestics.

‘Foundation’ [Greek: themelios] foundation on which to build. Jesus Christ is the true foundation (1Cor. 3:11). The apostles and prophets have also been made part of the foundation of Christianity. Others are built into the structure of the body of Christ. All of them are the temple of God and a habitation of God through the Holy Spirit.

‘Chief cornerstone’ [Greek: akrogoniaios] In Jerusalem this cornerstone was laid and there Christ suffered and died for the sins of the whole world (Matt. 23:37-39; Luke 13:33). There the Holy Spirit fell upon the first large group of Christians after the death of Christ took place (Acts 1:8; 2:1-8:1).

‘Fitly framed together’ [Greek: sunarmologeo] harmoniously fitted together (4:16).

‘Grow unto an holy temple in the Lord.’ Continually increasing by new converts.

‘Habitation’ [Greek: katoiketerion] a dwelling place. This does not mean that God has no personal body and the only bodies He ever has to manifest Himself through are those of saints. God has His own personal body. This simply refers to God’s manifestations of His own nature and attributes through multiplied outlets. Each saint becomes a reflection of God and acts for Him as God would act in the world if He were visibly present. God dwells in men only as they live in union with Him.

Abolished in His Flesh

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Ephesians 2:15-17 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 

‘Abolished’ – The Law of Commandments have been abolished [Greek: katargeo] make of no effect (Rom. 3:3; 4:14; Gal. 3:17; 5:4); come and bring to naught (1Cor. 1:28; 2:6); done away (1Cor. 13:10; 2Cor. 3:7, 11, 14); fail (1Cor. 13:8); cease (Gal. 6:11); vanish away (1Cor. 13:8); make void (Rom. 3:31); cumber (Luke 13:7); deliver (Rom. 7:6); loose (Rom. 7:2); put away (1Cor. 13:11); put down (1Cor. 15:24); destroy (Rom. 6:6; 1Cor. 6:13; 15:26; 2Thess. 2:8; Heb. 2:14); and abolish (2Cor. 3:13; Eph. 2:15; 2Tim. 1:10).

It is clear from these passages that whatever is abolished is completely null and void. What is it here that is abolished? It is the law of commandments in decrees or the law of dogmatic commandments. The word for ordinances is dogma, translated “decree” (Luke 2:1; Acts 16:4; 17:7) and “ordinance” (2:15; Col. 2:14). The law was made to expose sin (Rom. 3:19-20; 7:13; Gal. 3:19-25) and to keep the Jews a distinct people until Christ came. After that, it was no longer needed.

‘His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances’ – This means by His death the law was abolished (2:14-15; Col. 2:14-17; 2Cor. 3:6-15).

‘To make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace.’ This was the purpose of doing away with the law that brought enmity and made the middle wall of partition between Jews and Gentiles. God planned to make of both classes one new man – the body of Christ – so making peace between all men (3:6; 1Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:11).

‘Reconcile’ [Greek: apokatallasso] to bring together again (Col. 1:20-21).

‘Slain the enmity thereby’ – If the enmity that the law brought is slain, then the law which caused this enmity is abolished (2:14-15).

‘You which were afar off’ The Gentiles (2:11-13).

‘Them that were nigh’ – The Jews (2:11-13).

He Is Our Peace

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Ephesians 2:14 For he is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of partition between us

‘Peace’ – Among many things, Christ is to us: Peace (2:14); wisdom (1Cor. 1:30); righteousness (1Cor. 1:30); sanctification (1Cor. 1:30); redemption (1Cor. 1:30); light (John 8:12); the way, truth, and life (John 14:6).

‘Both one’ – Jews and Gentiles are one in Christ (2:14, 16; 3:6; 4:4-6; 1Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:11; Rom. 1:16; 10:9-13).

‘Wall of partition’ [Greek: mesotoichon] partition wall. Here it means that Christ broke down the wall that separated Jews and Gentiles. A wall of stone about 1,8 metres high separated the court of the Gentiles from that of the Jews in the temple. To cross it meant death to any Gentile. Jews always endeavoured to live by themselves among the Gentiles. They either wanted a river or a wall between them and their Gentile neighbours. Wherever they went, their own laws, rites, and customs made a separation between them and the Gentiles. This latter fact is what is referred to as the “middle wall of partition” between Jews and Gentiles. Christ abolished the law of Moses with all of its commandments, ordinances, and rituals, and provided a new covenant entirely for both Jews and Gentiles, making them one and on the same level in all things. To emphasize this, the literal veil of the temple was rented from top to bottom, indicating that the way into the holiest had been made for all men, that the old law was at an end and a new covenant ratified.

‘Partition’ [Greek: phragmos] a fence, protection, defence.

Now in Christ Jesus

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Ephesians 2:11-13 Wherefore remember, that you 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; That at that time you 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: But now in Christ Jesus you who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 

‘Gentiles’ – The first intimation that Paul is writing mainly to Gentile Christians (2:11, 19; 3:1, 8; 4:17). The sixfold former state of Gentiles: uncircumcised (2:11); without Christ (2:12); aliens to Israel’s blessings; strangers to the covenants; having no hope in God; without God in the world.

‘Made by hands’ [Greek: cheiropoietos] It refers to being made Jews by circumcision.

‘Aliens’ [Greek: apallotrioo] to estrange (4:18; Col.1:21).

‘Commonwealth’ [Greek: politeia] rights of a citizen (Acts 22:28).

‘Covenants of promise’ – The Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic covenants that promised the Jews all earthly and heavenly blessings (Gen. 12:1-3; Ex. 20:1-26; 2Sam. 7:1-29).

‘Now in Christ Jesus’ – Tenfold present state as Christians: In Christ (2:13). Brought near to God by the blood of Christ (2:13). Have peace with God (2:14). One with Israel (2:14-16). Part of the body of Christ (2:15-16). Reconciled to God (2:16). Access to God by the Spirit (2:18). Fellow citizens with saints (2:19). Built upon the true foundation (2:20; 2Cor. 3:11). God’s habitation (2:22).

‘You who sometimes were far off’ – here it refers to the Gentiles.

‘Sometimes were far off’ Literally, who were once far off.

‘By the blood of Christ’ – i.e., by His death (Rom. 5:9; Php. 2:8; Col. 1:14, 20; Heb. 10:19-23).

The Exceeding Riches of His Grace

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Ephesians 2:6-10 And has raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them. 

‘That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.’ This is the 4th New Testament prophecy in Ephesians (2:7) and it is unfulfilled. Eternity will be made up of time as we now know it. All affairs on earth will be regulated by seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years, and ages upon ages (Gen. 9:14-18; 8:22; Ps. 72:5, 17; 89:34-37).

‘For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.’ A simple statement of how people are resurrected spiritually from death in sins (2:8-10; Rom. 10:9-10; John 3:16; 1Jn. 1:9). This faith is not to believe in God’s existence (Jas. 2:19) but to trust and believe in Him (Heb. 11:1, 6).

‘Workmanship’ [Greek: poiema] handiwork or new creation (Rom. 1:20 cp. 2Cor. 5:17-18; Eph. 4:23-24; Tit. 2:11-14).

‘Ordained’ [Greek: proetoimazo] Only here and in Romans 9:23. It refers to preparing people for good works by regeneration.

Rich in Mercy

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

‘Rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us.’ Seven things that God has done: He resurrected us from death in sins (2:1, 5). He loved us (2:4). He saved us (2:5, 8-9). He made us sit down with Him (2:6, 10). He made a plan for us (2:7, 10). He created us in Christ (2:10). He brought us nearby Christ (2:13).

‘Dead in sins’ Three kinds of death in Scripture: Physical death: the separation of the inner man from the body (Jas. 2:26). Spiritual death: separation from God because of sin (2:1, 5; Isa. 59:2; Matt. 8:22; Col. 2:13; 1Tim. 5:6). Eternal death: eternal separation from God because man chooses to remain separated from God in sin (Matt. 10:28; 25:41, 46; Rev. 2:11; 14:9-11; 20:11-15; 21:8; 22:15 Isa. 66:22-24). This is called the second death or second separation from God (Rev. 2:11; 20:14; 21:8). Death in all Scripture means separation from the purpose for which one was created, never annihilation or extinction of being. Physical death is the separation of the inner man from the body. Only the body dies at this time and goes back to dust (Gen. 3:19; Jas. 2:26). The spirit and soul are immortal and are either dead in sins or possession of eternal life in Christ at the time of physical death. In either case, they continue in consciousness whether in paradise or hell.

‘Quickened us together with Christ’ – This is spiritual resurrection from death in trespasses and sins (2:1, 5-6). It is just as definite and complete as the physical resurrection (2Cor. 5:17-18).

Dead in Trespasses and Sins

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Ephesians 2:1-3 And you has he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past you walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience: 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. 

‘Dead in trespasses and sins.’ There are seven dead things in Scripture: Dead, living people (2:1, 5; Matt. 8:22; 2Cor. 5:14; Col. 2:13; 1Tim. 5:6). Living, dead people (Rom. 6:2, 7-14; Col. 2:20; 3:3; 2Tim. 2:11); Dead, living bodies (Rom. 8:10). Dead bodies (Jas. 2:26; John 5:28-29). Dead works (Heb. 6:1; 9:14). Dead faith (Jas. 2:17, 20, 26). Dead sin (Rom. 7:8).

‘Trespasses’ [Greek: paraptoma] a falling aside when one should have stood upright; any deviation from the rule of duty or moral equity, as well as any flagrant offence or trespass.

‘Sins’ [Greek: harmartia] a failure to hit the mark; always in a moral sense; a sin of thought, word, or deed.

‘You walked according to the course of this world.’ Fivefold state of sinners: They walk according to the world system (2:2). The word “course” refers to the evils that run like a stream through the whole world. According to the will of satan (2:2). In the lusts of the flesh (2:3; Gal. 5:19-21; Col. 3:5-10; Rom. 1:19-32). In the lusts of the mind or spirit (2:3; 2Cor. 7:1; 1Jn. 2:15-17). By nature as children of wrath (2:3; Ps. 51:5; John 8:44; Rom. 5:12-21).

‘World’ [Greek: kosmos] world system. Translated “world” 186 times, referring to various activities of the world as organized and run by satan and man.

‘The prince of the power of the air.’ This is in reality the old man of Scripture that works in the children of disobedience (Rom. 6:6; John 8:44; 1Jn. 3:8; 5:18). Satan is the prince [Greek: archon] or ruler of the air because in this realm the evil spirits dwell, all of whom are under his dominion (2:2; 3:10; 6:11-12; Col. 2:10; 1Pet. 3:22; Rev. 12:1-17).

‘Spirit that now works’ – When one gets rid of this spirit, he no longer has the old man in him or dominates him (2:2; 4:27; 6:10-18; 1Jn. 3:8-10; 5:18; Jas. 4:7; 1Pet. 5:8-9). It only works in the children of disobedience (2Cor. 5:17-18; 1Jn. 3:8-10; 5:18; Rom. 6:14-23).

‘Children of disobedience’ – A Hebraism for people consecrated to satan and disobedience (John 17:12). The wicked one is their father (Matt. 13:38; John 8:44; 1Jn. 3:8-10; 5:18).

‘Conversation in times past’ – Manner of life (2Cor. 1:12).

‘Lusts of our flesh’ – They are listed in Galatians 5:19-21 as: Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envying, murders, drunkenness, revelling and such like.

‘Nature the children of wrath’ – Men are sinners by nature, being born in sin (Rom. 2:14; 5:12-21; Jas. 3:6; Ps. 51:5).

Above All

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Ephesians 1:21-23 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And has put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that fills all in all. 

‘This world, but also in that which is to come.’ This is the 3rd New Testament prophecy in Ephesians (1:21). This age and the ones to come (2:7; Matt. 12:31-32; Rev. 20:1-22:5). This age refers to the period between the first and second comings (Matt. 24:14, 29-31; Rev. 19:11-21). The age to come refers to the Millennium following the second coming (1:10; Rev. 19:11-20:15; Zech. 14:1-21; Dan. 2:44-45; 7:13-27).

‘Head over all things to the church’ – The headship of Christ: All principality (1:21; Col. 2:10); all power (1:21; Col. 2:10); all might (1:21); dominion (1:21; Col. 1:16-18); every name (1:21; Php. 2:9; Heb. 1:4); this world (1:21); the world to come (1:21); all things (1:22; Heb_2:8-9); the Christian congregation (1:22-23; 4:15; 5:23-31; Col. 1:18, 24; 2:19); every person (1Cor. 11:3); of the corner (Matt. 21:42; Luke 20:17; Acts 4:11; 1Pet. 2:7); the people (Isa. 55:4); overall (Rom. 9:5; Col. 3:11); His own house (Heb. 3:6).

‘Which is his body’ Christian congregations and the body of Christ are the same (1:22-23; Col. 1:18, 24).

‘The fulness of him that fills all in all.’ The many members make the head complete, make up the body of Christ (1Cor. 12:12-13, 27), and He in turn fills all with His fullness (1:23; 3:16-21; John 1:16).

The Exceeding Greatness of His Power

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Ephesians 1:19-20 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places

‘To us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power.’ Again, and again the apostle emphasizes the doctrine of power for believers, not unbelievers (3:16-21; 6:10-18; 1Cor. 1:7; 4:18-20; 12:1-11).

‘Wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places.’ Six things that God did for Christ: He raised Him from the dead (1:20; John 21:14; 1Cor. 15:1-23). He exalted Him at His own right hand (1:20; Ps. 110:1, 5; Matt. 26:64; Mark 16:19; Acts 2:33-34; 7:55-56; Rom. 8:34; Php. 2:9-11; Col. 3:1; Heb. 1:3, 13; 10:12; 12:2; 1Pet. 3:22). He gave Him authority over all powers, good and evil, under Himself (1:21; 3:10; 6:12; Rom. 8:38; Php. 2:9-11; Col. 1:15-18; 2:10-17; 1Pet. 3:22; Rev. 1:1, 7, 18; 11:15; 19:11 – 20:10). He gave Him a name above every name except God the Father (1:21; 1Cor. 11:3; Php. 2:9-11; Heb. 1:4). He put all things under His feet (1:22; Col. 1:16-18; 2:10-17; Heb. 2:5-18; 1Cor. 15:24-28). He gave Him headship of the Christian congregations (1:22; Col. 1:18, 24; 2Cor. 11:3).

The Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation

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Ephesians 1:17-18 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints

‘That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.’ Twelve things that Paul prayed for the Ephesians: The spirit of wisdom (1:17). The spirit of revelation (1:17). Full enlightenment of truth (1:18). The hope of His calling (1:18; cp. 3:16). The riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints (1: 7; 18). The exceeding greatness of His power to those who believe (1:19; 3:19-20). Spiritual power in the inner man (3:16). Indwelling Christ (3:16; Luke 22:3). To be rooted in love (3:17). Spiritual understanding (3:18). To know the love of Christ (3:19). To be filled with all the fullness of God (3:19).

‘God of our Lord Jesus Christ’ – He is the God of Jesus Christ as well as His Father (1:17; John 3:16; 20:17; 1Cor. 11:3), proving two separate Persons, not one (1Jn. 5:7).

‘The Father of glory’ – The author and giver of glory to all saints.

‘Spirit of wisdom and revelation’ – They already had the Spirit of sonship – the earnest of the Holy Spirit (1:13-14). Now he prays that they might receive the fullness of the Spirit of which they had only a measure (3:16-21; John 3:34).

‘Eyes of your understanding being enlightened’ – The faculty of receiving knowledge – the spirit of man (1Cor. 2:11). What the eye is to the body, the spirit is to the inner man. Some manuscripts read, “the eyes of your heart.” It is through these eyes that we get to know: The hope of His calling (1:18). The riches of the glory (1:18). The greatness of His power (1:19).