Ephesians

Ephesians 1:1 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: Saints are not all dead and they are not to be prayed to. This shows clearly that Christians are saints and are in local churches that are faithful to the Lord Jesus.

Ephesians 1:2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Notice that God the Father is distinguished as a separate person from the Lord Jesus Christ here. They are not one and the same in the sense that some teach. That is...there is not only one member of the Godhead.

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: Now if there were only person in the Godhead this verse would be silly. We are blessed in Christ by the Father, who is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (God the Son).

Also note that we are blessed with all spiritual blessings. We do not have to sit around waiting for "the second blessing," or the green blessing or the super-duper-whiz-bang blessing. We have all spiritual blessings in Christ right now if we are truly born again.

Ephesians 1:4-6 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. Ephesians 1:10-13 That in the dispebliption 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: 11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Predestination, election, choosing before the foundation of the world is for us and we plural, not for individuals. Note in vs. 12-13 that we have to trust Him. That is a choice of the free will. Predestination applies to us as a group and we choose to be part of that group as individuals. Rom. 10:9-10 (Note that the Rom. passages has "thees" and "thous" which are singular in the King James Bible. Confession and belief to enter the elect group is done on the individual basis.)

Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Forgiveness of sins is according to His grace. So, if we can commit a sin that causes us to lose our salvation or that God cannot forgive (as some people claim), then there is something wrong with God's grace! This makes Him a liar, which is impossible. 2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee... Also see, Romans 3:4.

Ephesians 1:8-9 Wherein he hath abounded topiano coversd us in all wisdom and prudence; 9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: God's will is revealed to us plural. If you want to know God's will, you need to get with other saints that desire to know God's will also. (vs. 17-18 also). Acts 13:1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. Sending someone out to serve the Lord should be a plural project somewhere, not a one-man-show. A group somewhere should send the man/family out. (NOT a mission board, but a local, independent church.) There should be more than one person who recognizes it as God's will. Even Jesus said repeatedly that He was sent by the Father and did His will. Durst we think that we are above Him?

Also, God has abounded topiano coversd us in all wisdom and prudence. He has made known to us the mystery of His will. God's will is a mystery to those who do not know Him, but He has made it known to His children. (This is why ublipved people are so befuddled by how we live sometimes. Eph. 4:18 It is a mystery to them.) The reason God has made known His will is not because we deserve it either. It is ...according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself. Did you know that God's pleasure is good? Sometimes that hard to remember when it goes contrary to our own plans, isn't it? And it gives God pleasure to make His will known to us. Are we listening?

Ephesians 1:18 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, It does not say "your mind's eye." That expression smacks too much of Hinduism and mysticism.
Also, if you want to know what is the "riches of the glory of his inheritance" is, get with the saints.

Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; God quickens us by Hid word - Ps. 119:154&156, John 17:17- and according to His lovingkindness - Ps. 119:159. To be quickened is to be made alive. You cannot be saved without being quickened. They go together. Rom. 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Satan is the spirit that works in the children of disobedience. Ublipved people, no matter how likable or nice they seem, are not basically "good at heart." They are the children of disobedience. That is what we were before we were saved. Colosians 3:6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. Now we are the children of God through faith in Christ. Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. There are only two options, and each person must choose by faith to have God as their father in Christ. And those that will, must become the children of obedience by obeying the gospel. 2Thessalonians 1:8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve...

graphics by mary vannattan