Tag: Christianity

Rich in Mercy

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

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

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

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

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

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

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

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

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

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).

Praise of the Glory of His Grace

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

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

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

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

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

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

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

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

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

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.