Author: iolaHC

I am an Artwork in progress

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).

The Word of Truth

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Ephesians 1:14-16 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers 

‘Earnest’ [Greek: arrhabon] earnest-money; pledge; or first-payment (1:14; 2Cor. 1:22; 5:5). The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of adoption. Sonship through this phase of the Spirit in the life of a believer is the first payment or first-measure of the Spirit and our inheritance until the fullness of the Spirit is received and the fullness of redemption is complete (Rom. 8:17-24; 2Cor. 5:1-10; 1Pet. 1:4-13).

‘Purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.’ This is the 2nd New Testament prophecy in Ephesians (1:14, unfulfilled). [Greek: peripoiesis] keeping safe; gaining possession). It means the full completion of redemption. It is used of obtaining: Final glory (2Thess. 2:14); final salvation (1Thess. 5:9); final inheritance (1:14); final saving of the soul (Heb. 10:39); final purchased people (peculiar [Greek: peripoiesis] purchased, not peculiar as in dress, speech, or manner of life).

‘After I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints.’ Two things Paul heard about the Ephesians: Their faith in Christ and their love for all saints. This proves genuine conversion (John 13:35).

‘Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.’ Two things that Paul did for the Ephesians: He gave unceasing thanks for them. He prayed unceasingly for them.

‘Give thanks’ [Greek: eucharisteo] give thanks. Used 23 times in Paul’s epistles and only 14 times in the rest of the New Testament.

We Have Obtained

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Ephesians 1:11-13 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom you also trusted, after that you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that you believed, you were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise

‘Also we have obtained an inheritance’ – We also have obtained an inheritance along with all the other blessings of Ephesians 1:3-9. We now possess it in Christ by promise but it will not be ours in reality until the end of life of sowing to the Spirit (1:14, 18; 5:5; Matt. 5:5; 19:29; 25:34; 1Cor. 6:9-10; 15:50; Gal. 5:21; Col. 1:12; 3:24; Heb. 6:12; 9:15; 1Pet. 1:4; Rev. 21:7). We only get the earnest or first fruit of it now by the Spirit (1:13-14).

‘The purpose’ This purpose is stated in Ephesians 1:3-5, 12; 2:7, 10; 3:6, 10-11.

‘All things after the counsel of his own will.’ While all things are working, God’s providence is working on behalf of those who love God and who walk obediently according to His purpose.

‘We should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.’ Paul refers here to the early Christians who were the first to put our hope in Christ. ‘Mystery of his will’ – This mystery is that the Gentiles should be partakers of Christ with the Jews without circumcision and observance of the Mosaic rites and ceremonies (3:1-6).

‘Also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation.’ You also trusted in Christ when you heard the gospel (1:12-13).

‘After … believed’ Greek: having believed, or on believing, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit which was promised. All blessings, even the Spirit baptism, come through redemption and atonement (Gal. 3:13-14). How could God give to fallen, rebellious men on any other basis? This confirms beyond doubt the fact of healing in the atonement as well as all the other phases of redemption from the fall. If all results of the curse are removed by the atonement, then this certainly includes healing of sickness, which is one of the major effects of the fall. In this connection, there are specific scriptures that state that by His stripes we were and are healed (Isa. 53:4-5; Matt. 8:17; 1Pet. 2:24). Thus, healing of the body is mentioned in particular as a blessing from the sufferings of Christ. Being wounded for our transgressions and striped for our healing are stated in the same verses (Isa. 53:5; 1Pet. 2:24).

‘Sealed with that holy Spirit of promise’ – Sealed: For security (Matt. 27:66; Rev. 20:3); to hide, as the contents of a letter (Rev. 10:4; 22:10; cp. Deut. 32:34); to confirm or approve by testimony (John 3:33; 6:27; Rom. 15:28); to confirm ownership (1:13; 4:30; 2Cor. 1:22; Rev. 7:3-8). The Holy Spirit of adoption is given to everyone who repents (1:13; 4:30; Rom. 8:9, 14-16; 2Cor. 1:22) and he who has this Spirit has God’s seal that he belongs to the heavenly family.

According to His Good Pleasure

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Ephesians 1:9-10 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he has purposed in himself: 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

‘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.’ This is the 1st New Testament prophecy in Ephesians (1:10, unfulfilled). This will be fulfilled in the Millennium when all enemies will be put down and all creation will be united in one – as it was before Lucifer’s and Adam’s rebellion (1Cor. 15:24-28; Rev. 20:1-15; 21:1-22:5).

‘Dispensation’ [Greek: oikonomia] stewardship (Luke 16:2-4) and dispensation (1:10; 3:2; 1Cor. 9:17; Col. 1:25; 1Tim. 1:4). Five dispensations are named in Scripture: Dispensation or administration of the unjust steward (Luke 16:1-9). Dispensation of the gospel (1Cor. 9:17), which is Paul’s administration of the gospel of grace. The dispensation of the grace of God (3:2); the same as pt. 2. The dispensation of God (Col. 1:25), God’s own administration of grace given to Paul; the same as pt. 2. The dispensation of the fullness of times, in which God gathers together all things in heaven and the earth in Christ ridding the earth of all rebellion (1:10; 1Cor. 15:24-28; Rev. 20:1-15).

There are seven dispensations of man: Besides the dispensation of angels (Gen. 1:1; Isa. 14:12-14; Ezek. 28:11-17) and the eternal dispensation of the redeemed and faithful angels (Rev. 21-22; Isa. 66:22-24; 2Pet. 3:13), there are seven dispensations of man between the restoration of the earth from chaos (Genesis 1:3 – 2:25) and the New Heavens and the New Earth: Dispensation of Innocence (Gen. 3:1-24); Dispensation of Conscience (Genesis 4-8); Dispensation of Human Government (Genesis 9-11); Dispensation of Promise (Genesis 12:1-Exodus 12:36); Dispensation of Law (Exodus 12:37-Matthew 3); Dispensation of Grace (Matthew 3:1-Rev. 19-21); Dispensation of Divine Government of Millennium (Rev. 20:1-15).

‘Fulness of times’ – This refers to the completion of probationary times on the earth. Christ will come to reign in the seventh and last dispensation (or probationary period) of man on earth to rid the earth of all rebellion and restore God’s administration over this rebellious part of His kingdom, as before rebellion started (1Cor. 15:24-28).

Praise of the Glory of His Grace

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Ephesians 1:6-8 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he has made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he has abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence 

‘Has made us accepted’ – Has brought us into grace and made us objects of it in Christ.

‘In the beloved’ God claims Jesus as His own Son (cp. Matt. 3:17; 17:5; Luke 3:22;  John 12:28; Heb. 1:1-4; 2Pet. 1:17).

‘Redemption through his blood’ – This is the price God paid to manifest His grace and adopt us as sons (Rom. 3:24-25; 8:23; 1Cor. 1:30; Col. 1:14; Heb. 12:15; Rev. 5:9-10).

‘Riches of his grace’ – True riches: Riches of His grace (1:7). Riches of the glory of the inheritance in the saints (1:18). Unsearchable riches of Christ (3:8). Riches of glory (3:16; Rom. 9:23). Riches of His goodness (Rom. 2:4). Riches of wisdom, knowledge (Rom. 11:33). Riches in glory (Php. 4:19). Riches of the glory of the mystery of Christ in you (Col. 1:27). Riches of the full assurance of understanding of God’s mystery (Col. 2:2). Reproach of Christ greater riches than in Egypt (Heb. 11:26).

‘All wisdom’ – Wisdom is that which enables men to judge what are the best goals and the best means of attaining them. Prudence is practical wisdom applied in the best time and manner to secure the best results.

‘Prudence’ [Greek: phronesis] practical wisdom (Luke 1:17).

We Should Be Holy and Without Blame

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Ephesians 1:4-5 According as he has chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will

‘Chosen’ [Greek: eklegomai] choose (1:4; Mark 13:20; Luke 6:13; 10:42; 19:7; John 6:70; 13:18; 15:16, 19; Acts 1:2, 24; 6:5; 13:17; 15:22, 15:25; 1Cor. 1:27-28; Jas. 2:5) and make choice (Acts 15:7).

‘Foundation of the world’ – Overthrow of the world that Lucifer ruled before Adam. Foundation [Greek: katabole] to cast or throw down. Katabole should have been translated “overthrow” or “casting down of the world” in Matthew 13:35; 25:34; Luke 11:50; John 17:24; Ephesians 1:4; Hebrews 4:3; 9:26; 11:10; 1Peter 1:20 and Revelation 13:8; 17:8. Except for Hebrews 11:10, katabole is used with kosmos, social world, and refers to the overthrow of the pre-Adamite world by the flood of Genesis 1:2; 2Peter 3:5-7; Psalm 104:5-9; Jeremiah 4:23-26 and the defeat of Lucifer and his earthly kingdom before Adam (Isa. 14:12-14; Ezek. 28:11-17; Luke 10:18).

‘That we should be holy’ – God’s choice: This is what God chose before the overthrow of Lucifer’s world – that all of the new race of Adam who accepts Jesus Christ should be holy and without blame before Him in love. It is this plan that is chosen for all believers, not the individual conformity of any one person to that plan. The final choice is left up to the individual, not God. All are called and chosen to become holy before God in love if they want to accept this plan and choice of God, but only those who meet the conditions will be so blessed (John 3:16-20; Mark 16:15-16; 1Tim. 2:4; 2Pet. 3:9; Rev. 22:17). This is the true meaning of election and predestination wherever found in Scripture (1:5; Rom. 8:29, note). In other words, the plan is predestined and foreknown, not the individual conformity to the plan.

‘Without blame’ [Greek: amomos] (1:4; 5:27; Col. 1:22; Heb. 9:14; 1Pet. 1:19; Jude 1:24; Rev. 14:5).

‘Predestinated’ [Greek: proorizo] foreordained. Here God has predestined all children of God to be adopted into His family, but who becomes a child of God is left up to each individual (John 3:15-20; Rev. 22:17; cp. 1Tim. 2:4; 2Pet. 3:9).

‘Adoption’ [Greek: huiothesia] adoption (1:5; Rom. 8:15, 23; 9:4; Gal. 4:5). God has adopted us by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to His pleasure and will, to the praise and glory of His grace, and has made us accepted in Christ (1:5-6).

Blessed Be

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Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ

‘Blessed’ [Greek: eulogetos] from the verb eulogeo, translated “bless” 40 times and “praise” once (Luke 1:64).

‘The God and Father 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).

‘Blessed us’ – Nine things that God has done for us: He has blessed us (1:3). He has chosen us (1:4). He has predestined us (1:5, 11). He has made us accepted (1:6). He has redeemed us (1:7). He has abounded toward us (1:8). He has made known unto us (1:9). He has given us an inheritance (1:11, 14). He has sealed us (1:13).

‘All spiritual blessings’ – All promises and blessings in Christ are still for believers today (1:3; 2Cor. 1:20; Ps. 34:9-10; 84:11; Matt. 21:22; Mark 11:22-24; John 14:12-15; 15:7, 16).

‘Spiritual blessings’ – These blessings are the pure doctrines of the gospel and the full graces and gifts of the Spirit which are necessary for the work of God among human beings (1Cor. 12:1-11; Gal. 5:21).

‘Blessings’ [Greek: eulogia] translated “blessing” 11 times (1:3; Rom. 15:29; 1Cor. 10:16; Gal. 3:14; Heb. 6:7; 12:17; Jas. 3:10; 1Pet. 3:9; Rev. 5:12-13; 7:12); “fair speeches” (Rom. 16:18); “bounty” (2Cor. 9:5); and “bountifully” (2Cor. 9:6).

‘Heavenly’ [Greek: epouranios] that which pertains to heaven. Translated “heaven” (Php. 2:10); “heavenly” (1:3, 20; 2:6; 3:10; Matt. 18:35; John 3:12; 1Cor. 15:48-49; 2Tim. 4:18; Heb. 3:1; 6:4; 8:5; 9:23; 11:16; 12:22); “high places” (6:12); and “celestial” (1Cor. 15:40).

To the Saints

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Ephesians 1:1-2 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 

‘Apostle of Jesus Christ’ [Greek: Apostolos] a delegate, one sent with the full power of attorney to act in the place of another, the sender remaining behind to back up the one sent. In the case of Christ’s apostles, it means God sends them to do what He, Himself would do if He went. It is found 81 times and translated apostle 78 times; messenger twice (2Cor. 8:23; Php. 2:25); and once he that is sent (John 13:16). Twenty-four apostles are recorded: Simon Peter and his brother Andrew (Matt. 10:2); James, son of Zebedee and John his brother (Matt. 10:2); Philip and his brother Bartholomew (Matt. 10:3); James, son of Alphaeus and Judas his brother (Luke 6:16) and Matthew, son of Alphaeus, perhaps brother of James and Judas (Mark 2:14; Luke 6:15); Thomas (Matt. 10:3); Simon Zelotes, brother of James and Judas, according to tradition (Luke 6:15); Judas Iscariot (Matt. 10:4); Matthias (Acts 1:26); Barnabas (1Cor. 9:5-6; Acts 13:1-3; 14:4, 14; Gal. 2:9); Andronicus (Rom. 16:7); Junia (Rom. 16:7); Apollos (1Cor. 4:6-9); James, the Lord’s brother (Gal. 1:19; 2:6; Jas. 1:1); Silas (1Thess. 1:1; 2:6); Timothy (1Thess. 1:1; 2:6); Titus (2Cor. 8:23); Epaphroditus (Php. 2:25); Paul (Gal. 1:1; 2:8); Jesus Christ (Heb. 3:1). For lists of the twelve apostles see Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:14-16; Acts 1:13, 26. Their commission, duties, and power (Matt. 10:1-42; 28:19-20; Mark 3:14-15; 6:7-13; 16:15-20; Luke 9:1-5; 24:47-53; John 20:22-23; 21:15-19; Acts 1:4-8).

‘Saints’ – To the holy ones and to the faithful. All saved people are saints, so there are no grounds for making people saints after death (Acts 9:13, 32, 41; 26:10; Rom. 1:7; 1Cor. 1:2; 6:1-2; 2Cor. 1:1; Eph. 1:1; Php. 1:1; Col. 1:2; 2Thess. 1:10; Jude 1:3; Rev. 5:8; 13:7, 10; 17:6).

‘Ephesus’ – A great commercial centre of Asia Minor, at the mouth of the Cayster River and on the shore of the Aegean Sea, about 80 kilometres south of Smyrna. It was noted for the great temple of Diana, one of the wonders of the ancient world (Acts 19:27). The site of the city is now covered with ruins, fulfilling Revelation 2:5.

‘Grace be to you’ – The word “grace” is used 12 times in the epistle (1:2, 6-7; 2:5-8; 3:2, 7-8; 4:7, 29; 6:24).

Backsliding

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This book was written to correct the fickle Galatians from further backsliding and following the legalizing, Judaizing teachers from Judea; and to set them straight regarding the relation of Christians of the new covenant with the Jews of the old covenant.

Many people believe once saved, always saved. A theory that satan caused to remove accountability. The theory that God will not punish, judge, and condemn His people when they backslide and persist in sin and rebellion has no foundation in any attribute, act, promise, prophecy, covenant, or revelation of God. He has been just and good to all in all ages, blessing men when they obey and cursing the same men when they disobey. He is completely impartial; nothing can cause Him to act contrary His nature as He has revealed it. God has given hundreds of warnings for men not to backslide lest they die in their sin and rebellion and suffer the fate of all sinners. He has given many examples of angels, demons, and men who have actually suffered and will yet suffer such destiny. There are many things that God promises to do: To pluck the disobedient and curse with many curses (Deut. 28:15-68; Luke 21:20-24). To break off and cut off branches in Christ who refuse to bear fruit (Rom. 11:17-22; John 15:1-6). To blot names out of the book of life (Ex. 32:32-33; Ps. 69:28; Rev. 3:5). To charge sin to the guilty, and by no means clear them unless they repent (Ex. 34:6-7; Rom. 11:22-24). To cast out of His sight (1Kin. 9:7; 2Kin. 24:20; 2Ch. 7:19-22; Jer. 7:15; 15:1; 23:39). To cast away (Hos. 9:17; Rom. 11:15; 2Cor. 9:1-15). To cast out as fit for nothing (Mat. 5:13; Luke 14:34-35). To cast out as unprofitable servants (Mat. 25:30). To cast down to hell (2Pet. 2:4-6; Jude 1:5-7; Acts 1:25). To cut off from His presence (Lev. 22:3; 2Kin. 17:1-41; Luke 21:20-24). To destroy (Jer. 12:17; 2Cor. 3:16-17; 10:1-13; Jude 1:5-7). To deny men (2Tim. 2:12). To forgive only when men repent (Lev. 26:40-42; 1Jn. 1:9). To give up on people who once knew Him (Rom. 1:21-32). To permit the once saved to be lost when they go into sin (John 17:12). To pass eternal death sentence on righteous who turn to sin (Ezek. 3:20; 18:4, 24; 33:12-18; Rom. 6:16-23; 8:12-13). To render justice to every person according to his deeds (Pro. 24:12, 29; Psa. 62:12; Rom. 2:6).

There are many simple statements in Scripture revealing man’s part in his own damnation or salvation. It is not God’s will for anyone to perish, but for all to come to repentance (John 3:16; 1Tim. 2:4; 2Pet. 3:9; Rev. 22:17). If people will not meet God’s terms, they will be lost (Mark 16:16; John 3:3, 5; Pro. 1:24-31); and if any turn away from the Lord after salvation, and persist in rebellion until death, He is not responsible. The fact that all are not going to be saved proves that man does have a part in the matter. If any man fails to be saved, it is his own fault, not God’s fault.

In the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ

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Galatians 6:14-18 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availed any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. To the Galatians written from Rome. 

‘God forbid that I should glory.’ The last occurrence of this phrase. Glorification must always be unto God, never to oneself.

‘Save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.’ Others may glory in circumcision, rituals, and a great show of converts to an easy religion, but I will glory only in the cross of Jesus Christ. Those former things are empty, worthless and crucified to them by the cross. Nothing avails anything, but a new creation in Christ (6:15; 2Cor. 5:17-18; Eph. 2:10; 4:23-24; Col. 3:10).

‘Rule’ [Greek: kanon] canon, rule of Christianity. This rule is that redemption is through Jesus Christ apart from circumcision, sabbath-keeping, and all the law of Moses (1:6-8; 2:15-21; 3:13-14, 19-29; 4:1-10; 5:1-7, 11; 6:12-15).

‘And upon the Israel of God.’ This Israel of God is made up of the true Jews who accept this rule along with the Gentiles (Rom. 2:29; 9:6).

‘Marks’ [Greek: stigma] Slaves were branded. So, Paul, as a slave, bore the marks of his slave service. They gloried in their circumcision mark (6:12-13), but Paul said he will glory in his marks of suffering for Jesus Christ (2Cor. 11:23-28).