Tag: Life

He that Descended… Also Ascended

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Ephesians 4:8-10 …and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 

‘Gave gifts unto men’ – Psalm 68:18 reads, “Thou have received gifts for men.” The Hebrew here suggests that the gifts which He gave were received in man; that is, by virtue of His incarnation, He received these gifts to give to human beings. They are really gifts of God to people. Eight gifts of God: [1] Christ (John 3:16; 4:10); called the heavenly and unspeakable gift (2Cor. 9:15; Heb. 6:4). [2] The Holy Spirit (Acts 2:33, 38-39; 5:32; 8:20; 11:17). [3] Salvation (Rom. 5:15-18; Eph. 2:8-9). [4] Eternal life (Rom. 6:23). [5] Grace (3:7; 4:7). [6] Spiritual gifts (Rom. 12:6; 1Cor. 1:7; 12:4-11, 28-31; 1Tim. 4:14; 2Tim. 1:6; Heb. 2:4; 1Pet. 4:10). [7] Ministers (4:11). [8] All good things (Matt. 7:11; Luke 11:13; Php. 4:17; Jas. 1:17).

‘He also descended first.’ Before He ascended to heaven, He descended to hell (Ps. 16:10; Matt. 12:40). He descended, not only from deity to humanity and from humanity to infamy and death (Php. 2:5-11), but also into the lower parts of the earth – into hell itself to conquer hell and liberate captive souls from satan (4:8-10; Ps. 16:10; 68:18; Matt. 12:40; Heb. 2:14-15).

‘Lower parts of the earth’ – Proof that hell is located in the lower parts of the earth, not on the surface of the earth as the grave (Matt. 12:40; Ps. 16:10; 63:9; Job 11:8; Deut. 32:22; Isa. 14:9; 66:22-24; Pro. 9:18; 15:24; Ezek. 31:14-18; 32:18-24). Hell, here is contrasted with the highest heaven as being the lowest and deepest part of the earth. It could not possibly refer to the grave on the surface of the earth.

‘That he might fill all things’ – That He might be the fountain of all spiritual, physical, and material gifts to human beings, dispensing them to all people liberally according to their needs and wants (Jas. 1:5-8, 17; Matt. 7:11; 21:22; Mark 11:22-24; John 14:12-15; 15:7, 16; Ps. 34:9-10; 84:11).

The Gift of Christ

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Ephesians 4:7-8 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he said, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 

‘Every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.’ Proof of different measures of grace (Rom. 12:3). Different measures of the Spirit: Mosaic portion (Num. 11:17, 25). Mosaic portion divided into 71 portions (Num. 11:16-17, 25-29). Elijah portion (2Kin. 2:9). Double portion (2Kin. 2:9-10). Elijah portion on John the Baptist (Luke 1:15-17). Earnest of the Spirit (2Cor. 1:22; 5:5; 1Jn. 4:13; Php. 1:19). The Spirit “without measure” (John 3:34; Isa. 11:2; 42:1; 61:1; Luke 4:16-21; Acts 10:38); Spirit baptism or baptismal measure (Matt. 3:11; 20:22-23; Luke 3:16; John 1:31-34; Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-21; 8:15-24; 10:44-48; 11:14-18; 15:7-11; 19:1-7; Gal. 3:14); the fulness of God (Eph. 3:19; Rom. 15:29); the rivers of living water (John 7:37-39); and the full anointing of the Spirit and enduement of power from on high (Luke 24:49; John 14:12-15).

‘When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.’ The first and last Old Testament prophecy is fulfilled in Ephesians (4:8; Ps. 68:18). This was at the ascension, 40 days after His resurrection (Acts 1:3-11; Luke 24:51; Mark 16:19). Three things which Christ did in His ascension: He liberated the righteous immortal souls from captivity in the lower parts of the earth (4:8; Ps. 68:18). He took these captives captive to heaven (4:8; Ps. 68:18). He gave gifts to men (4:8, 11).

‘High’ [Greek: hupsos] rendered “height” in Ephesians 3:18 and Revelation 21:16.

‘He led captivity captive’ – The captives that were taken to heaven with Christ were the saints who had died from Abel to Christ, and who were held captive by satan in paradise under the earth until Christ conquered death, hell, and the grave liberating them (Heb. 2:14-15; Luke 16:23). He got these captives in the lower parts of the earth (4:8-10; Matt. 12:40). They were still alive in soul and spirit since their physical death, but held captive, which proves the immortality of the soul. He could not have led captive, extinct souls. Now when a Christian dies, he does not go into the lower parts of the earth to be held captive but goes to where paradise is now (2Cor. 12:4) to live and await the resurrection of the body (2Cor. 5:8; Php. 1:21-24; Heb. 12:22-23; Rev. 6:9-11). ‘Captivity’ – He led a host of captives to heaven, like an earthly conqueror. Some were the many that were resurrected after Christ (Matt. 27:52-53), and the rest were the immortal souls that were not resurrected, but merely liberated from captivity to satan (Heb. 2:14-15; 12:23).

To Know the Love of Christ

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Ephesians 3:19-21 And to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. 

‘To know the love of Christ’ – there is no greater privilege for any human and no greater obligation to accept this truth and live accordingly! We cannot live for God when we don’t accept His love and choose to live in obedience at all times (John 3:16; 1Jn. 3:16; Rom. 6; 1Pet. 2:21-23; 1Jn. 3:1-10; 4:16-17).

‘Be filled with all the fulness of God.’ To be filled with all the fullness of God is just as possible today as then, and as possible as the other things prayed for here and in Ephesians 1:17-19 (cp. John 14:12).

‘Exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.’ Superabundantly above the greatest abundance we may ask or even think, according to the power that works in us. His ability is connected with His willingness to do for His people. There are no limitations in getting things from God according to the promises and living in obedience (2Pet. 1:4).

‘In the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end.’ This is the 6th New Testament prophecy in Ephesians (3:21, unfulfilled). This teaches that the body of Christ consisting of newborn believers will continue eternally.

The Eternal Purpose

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Ephesians 3:11-13 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. Wherefore I desire that you faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. 

‘The eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ The 5th New Testament prophecy in Ephesians (3:11, unfulfilled). The eternal purpose is to have creations of free moral agents who have been thoroughly tested and purged of all possibility of rebellion so that God can show the exceeding riches of His grace toward them in all the ages to come without fear of eternal rebellions (1:4-12; 2:7; 3:9-11; 1Cor. 15:24-29; Rev. 21-22).

Sixteen things that people must learn: That God must be respected and obeyed in all things (3:9-11). That His laws are final and just (Psa. 119:89; Isa. 55:11; 2Tim. 3:16-17). That sin does not pay (Gal. 6:7-8). That sin will never be excused (Gen. 2:17; Ezek. 18:4; Rom. 6:23). That sin will be forgiven if God’s terms are met (2Cor. 7:10; 1Jn. 1:9). That God’s form of government is the only right one (Isa. 9:6-7; Rev. 20:1-15). That a loving and free submission to God is the highest and most noble principle of moral government (3:10; Matt. 22:37; John 3:16; Rev. 22:17). That justice and righteousness must prevail, if any society is to be eternally preserved in the universe (1:4-12; 2:7; 3:9-11; Rev. 11:15-18; 1Cor. 15:24-28). That consecration to the highest good of all is the nature and highest glory of the creature (1:4-12; Rev. 4:11; 5:11-14; Col. 1:15-18). That God is merciful and forgiving to rebels who will be penitent, and who learn obedience through their fall and redemption (2:4-10; Rom. 1:5, 16; 3:24-26; 16:26; Tit. 2:11-14; 3:5-6). That God is the only absolutely just and perfect Being, and the only one capable and worthy of unquestionable authority (Isa. 57:13; Rev. 4:8; 6:10; 15:4). That all the accusations of present rebels against God are untrue (6:16; Ezek. 28:16; Rev. 12:10). That God does only those things which are for the best good of creation (2:7; Matt. 7:7-11; Rev. 4:11). That He should, by His own history of justice and righteousness in all of His dealings, be recognized by all as the Supreme Moral Governor of the Universe (2:9-11; 1Cor. 11:3; 15:24-28; Col. 1:15-18; Rev. 4:11). That those who rebel will be punished forever as an everlasting monument of God’s wrath on sin and as examples of justice to all coming generations in all eternity (Isa. 66:22-24; Rev. 14:9-11; Matt. 25:41, 46; Mark 9:43-48). That all the redeemed and obedient will become eternal heirs of God and kings and priests under Him to help administer the affairs of the universe forever (2:7; 3:9-11; Dan. 7:18, 27; Rom. 8:17; 1Cor. 6:2-3; 2Tim. 2:12; Rev. 1:6; 5:10; 22:4-5).

‘In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.’ Three great blessings in Christ: Boldness or liberty of speech in prayer (Php. 4:6). Access with the confident assurance of an answer (Heb. 4:14-16; 10:19-23). Faith from Christ (3:12; Heb. 12:2; Acts 3:16; Gal. 2:20)

‘Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.’ Paul warns the Ephesians to not be disgraced by his sufferings for them. They were honourable and for their good to enable them to persevere in righteousness.

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).