Tag: Life

Be Renewed

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Ephesians 4:23-24 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 

‘Renewed’ [Greek: ananeoo] meaning the whole course of life now flows in a different direction (2Cor. 5:17-18). Be renewed in the attitude of your mind by renouncing its vanity (4:17), its darkness and blindness (4:18) and learning of Christ (4:20-21).

From 2Corinthians 5:17-21 we were given ten personal Gospel blessings: It brings one into Christ (2Cor. 5:17). One is a new creature (2Cor. 5:17). Old things are passed away (2Cor. 5:17). The Greek word for “old” is archaios, meaning ancient, original, old. Such things are no more in one. All things are new (2Cor. 5:17). The life is just the opposite of the old life. All things are of God (2Cor. 5:18). The true Christian does not permit anything in his life which is ungodly and unChristlike (Rom. 6:14-23; 8:1-13; Gal. 5:16-26). One is reconciled to God (2Cor. 5:18; Rom. 5:10; Eph. 2:14-18; Col. 1:20-21). He has part in the ministry of reconciliation (2Cor. 5:18-20; 1:18-24). He has been trusted with the Word of reconciliation (2Cor. 5:19; Mark 16:15-20). He is an ambassador of God in Christ’s stead (2Cor. 5:20; Prov. 13:17). He is the righteousness of God in Christ (2Cor. 5:21; Rom. 3:21-31; 8:4).

‘Put on’ [Greek: enduo] to be clothed with, put on (Matt. 27:31; Mark 15:20; Luke 15:22); be clothed with (Mark 15:17; Rev. 1:13); be clothed in (Rev. 15:6; 19:14), and arrayed in (Acts 12:21). Anyone clothed with this power will be able to confirm what he lives, and this is the only normal New Testament program (John 14:12; Mark 16:16-20). The new nature must be put on and it must manifest righteousness and true holiness (4:23-24). Salvation is a hope and not actually an unforfeitable possession until the next life (1Thess. 5:8; Rom. 8:20-25; 2Thess. 2:16; 1Pet. 1:5, 9, 13). Eternal life is also a hope now, even though we possess it (Tit. 1:2; 3:7; Heb. 3:6; 6:11, 6:11, 18-19; 1Pet. 1:3, 13). It will not actually be an unforfeitable and an eternal possession until the next life and at the end of a life of sowing to the Spirit (Matt. 7:13-14; 18:8-9; 19:28-29; Mark 10:29-30; Luke 18:29-30; Rom. 2:7; 6:21-23; Gal. 6:7-8; 1Tim. 1:16; 4:8; 6:12, 19; 1Pet. 1:5, 9, 13; 3:7; 1Jn. 2:25; Jude 1:20-24; Dan. 12:2; John 5:28-29).

‘The new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.’ This is the Spirit and nature of God in renewed man (4:23-24; 2Pet. 1:4; Rom. 8:9, 14-16).

‘Holiness’ [Greek: hosiotes] A normal Christian life consists of holiness (4:24; 1Thess. 4:7; Gal. 5:19-24; Heb. 12:14).

The Truth is In Jesus

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Ephesians 4:20-22 But you have not so learned Christ; If so be that you have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That you put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts 

‘But you have not so learned Christ.’ Life of saints must contain the following: Learn Christ – get to know Him (4:20; Matt. 11:28-30). Hear and be taught by Christ (4:21). Put off the old man (4:22; 2Cor. 5:17). Be renewed in mind attitude (4:23). Put on the new man (4:24; 2Cor. 5:17). Put away lying and speak truth (4:25). Feel anger without acting on it by sinning (4:26). Give no place to the devil (4:27). Quit stealing (4:28). Work for a living (4:28). Give to the needy (4:28). Use the tongue right (4:29). Grieve not the Holy Spirit (4:30). Put away bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, evil speaking, and malice (4:31). Be kind, tender-hearted, and forgiving as Christ (4:32). Be followers of God (5:1). Walk in love, as Christ did (5:2). Let not fornication, homosexuality, covetousness, filthiness, foolish talking, and sexual jesting be once named among you as becomes saints (5:3-4; cp. Mark 7:19-21; Rom. 1:18-32; 1Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21; Col. 3:5-10).

‘The old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts.’ The “old man” is the spirit and nature of the devil (2Cor. 5:17). Therefore, because we do not know any man after the flesh, not even Christ, it is vain for any man to profess a relationship with Christ according to the flesh, while he is unchanged in heart and life and dead in trespasses and sins. Two old things pass away:

[1] The spirit, nature, and power of sin the old man, which is nothing more nor less than the spirit, nature, and power of the devil working in men of disobedience (2:2; John 8:44; 2Cor. 4:4; 1Jn. 3:8; 5:18). This is what the Bible calls: The old man (4:22; Rom. 6:6; Col. 3:9); Sin (John 1:29; 8:34; Rom. 6:4-8:2); The body of sin (Rom. 6:6); The power of satan (Acts 26:18); The body of this death (Rom. 7:24); The lusts of the flesh (2:3); The lust of the eyes (1Jn. 2:15-17); The pride of life (1Jn. 2:15-17); The works of the flesh (Gal. 5:19); The world (1Jn. 2:15-17; Jas. 4:4); Vile affections (Rom. 1:26, 29); The lusts of the mind (2:3); The lusts of sin (Rom. 6:11-12); The motions of sins (Rom. 7:5); The law of sin and death (Rom.  7:7-8:2); The carnal mind (Rom. 8:1-13); The god of this world (2Cor. 4:4); Spiritual wickedness in high places … rulers of darkness (6:12); The lusts of your father (John 8:44); Sin that dwelleth in me (Rom. 7:17); The course of this world (2:2); The body of the sins of the flesh (Col. 2:11; Gal. 5:24; Rom. 8:1-39).

[2] Outward sin or transgression of the law (1Jn. 3:4; Rom. 4:15; Jas. 1:13-15). The outward acts are listed in Mark 7:19-21; Romans 1:18-32; 2Corinthians 6:9-11; Galatians 5:19-21; Colossians 3:5-10.

Both outward and inward sin must pass away or one cannot claim to be in Christ. The theory that only outward transgressions are forgiven and one is still under the control of the old man (the devil) is one of the most erroneous doctrines in Christendom (4:24; 2Cor. 5:17-18; 1Jn. 5:18; Rom. 6:6-23; 8:1-13).

Speaking the Truth in Love

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Ephesians 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, make increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. 

‘But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.’ The truth recommended by Paul is the whole gospel which centres around Christ and building the body of Christ into a working unit to throw off all error or waste to sustain itself like the human body (4:15-16).

In 1Corinthians 12:13-30 we see a brief description of the body of Christ and the members’ roles described. All that is in Christ make up the body of Christ (2:19-22; 4:1-6; Col. 1:18, 24). 1Corinthians 12:13 explains that “by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body.” This shows how the body of Christ is constituted. The Spirit is the agent that brings one into the body of Christ by the new birth. This is not a baptism into the Spirit, but into the body of Christ. The body here is the element one is baptized into. The Spirit is the agent that does the baptizing into the body. The believer is the candidate. If it were the Spirit baptism, Christ would be the agent and the Holy Spirit would be the element baptized into.

If Christians would seek to please God in whatever part they are to have in Christian congregations or the body of Christ there would be no confusion or strife about anyone’s service to God’s glorification (1Cor. 10:31).

And He Gave Some… Part 1

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Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers 

‘And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.’ Five kinds of ministers: [1] Apostles. [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 the New Testament Christians, it means God sent them to do what He, Himself would do if He went. They were the ones who either wrote N.T. books or ministered the gospel of Christ to the congregations. 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 and Junia (Rom. 16:7), Apollos (1Cor. 4:6-9). James, the Lord’s brother (Gal. 1:19; 2:6; Jas. 1:1). Silas and 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). We are warned to watch out for false apostles (2Cor. 11:13; Rev. 2:2), they are those that will try to add or take away from the written Word of God (Rev. 22:18-19). [2] Prophets. Prophets were those who spoke for God (Heb. 1:1; Acts 3:21). They were the Old Testament authors and receivers of God’s word during the O.T. period, the last one was John the Baptist (Matt. 11:11-13; Luke 16:16), even though some individuals were still operating under the name ‘prophet’ during the shift from Old to New Testament, the office ended with John the Baptist. To prophecy during the New Testament meant to edify, exhort and comfort (1Cor. 14:3) and is classified with the gifts of the Spirit (1Cor. 12:4-11, 28). Directions for the exercise of this gift are found in 1Corinthians 14:1-40. The office was next in importance to apostles (4:11; 1Cor. 12:28). We are warned in the New Testament to watch out for all the false prophets (Matt. 7:15; 24:11, 24; Mark 13:22; 2Pet. 2:1; 1Jn. 4:1), they are those that will try to add or take away from the written Word of God (Rev. 22:18-19).

To be continued…

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).