Chptr 1-EPHESIANS
Eph. 1: 1-23
Our Identity & Inheritance in Christ
Who We Are in Christ
Our Position in Christ
Scripture reference are NKJ and Mirror translation unless otherwise specified. Parentheses are Amplified version or Greek text exegesis.
Eph 1:1 Paul, an apostle (Gk, apostolos, ambassador, one who is sent, has delegated authority) of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints (consecrated, set apart ones) who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus. (by the will of God)
Mirror translation–1:1 Paul, employed by the delightful resolve of God and commissioned to represent Jesus Christ to the saints that are in Ephesus; also to every believer in Christ Jesus.
The Greek word for “apostle” is apostolos, which means “sent one” or “one sent on a specific mission,” such as a special messenger or ambassador. Paul was commissioned in accordance with the “will (purpose) of God” for the specific purpose of representing the Yeshua Ha’ Mashiach, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Of course, there were and are women apostles. Related Scriptures:
Ephesians 3:8-9: “To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ.” In other words he was sent by God to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) and to teach the great truth concerning the Church. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.
The Lord said to,”Go, for he (Paul) is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.” (Acts 9:15)
Romans 11:13 For I speak to you Gentiles; inasmuch as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry,
I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the Church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the Word of God, the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:24-27)
Ephesians 5:32This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
“In Christ” is one of the key expressions of Ephesians. There are two closely related lines of truth in the NT—the truth of the believer’s position and the truth of who we were and are in Him. In Ephesians alone, in Christ, in Him, in Whom, in Jesus 92 times.
2 Corinthians 5:17: “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” If a man is in Christ there is new love, there is new vision, a new dream, a new life, a new hope, a new dedication.”
The truth is: Whenever we focus on the NATURAL life, trying to make it Godly, we are veiled to our true identity from the beginning. However, when we TURN to the Christ WITHIN, the veil is removed, and we see ourselves as sons of God (spirit), not sons of Adam (flesh). Our concern is not whether our action is right or wrong (Tree of Knowledge) producing death, but whether it produces LIFE (Tree of Life), Jesus Christ.
Until we are secured in God and His identity for us, we will remain insecure, touchy, wearing feelings on our sleeves, comparing ourselves and our notoriety with others and potentially contentious.
MUST KNOW WHO WE WERE and ARE IN CHRIST AND WHO CHRIST IS IN US!!From the beginning as well.
Colossians 1:27 (NKJV)To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: [a]which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
This is the mystery unveiled!!
See 1OO LEGALITIES THAT I AM IN CHRIST- separate document, sent to you by email request ms_davis@bellsouth.net)
We will continue with lesson 2 next week.
Scripture reference are NKJ and Mirror translation unless otherwise specified. Parentheses are Amplified version or Greek text exegesis.
(Eph 1:2) Grace (God’s ability working in you) be to you, and peace (harmony, unity, undisturbness) from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
1:2 I greet you with the grace and peace that proceed from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Mirror
Grace- 5485-Greek – Xaris-Charis-grace, kindness, favor, gift, unmerited favor; empowerment that comes from the heart of God (freely given power that works in you).
xáris/charis (“grace”) answers directly to the Hebrew (OT) term 2580 /Kaná (“grace, extension-toward”). Both refer to God freely extending Himself (His favor, grace), reaching (inclining) to people because He is disposed to bless (be near) them.
Grace- Hebrew-850- chen-favor- other definitions- adornment, charm, pleasing or pleases.
Grace-working definition- God’s unmerited favor and God’s freely given ability/power working in you.
We have received grace. We are grace. Also, we can grow in grace. Growing in grace means becoming like Christ. We are already like Christ in our spirit. Yet, we grow in grace in our soul, sense realm.
Peace is a tangible fruit of love, grace, faith and salvation. Just like the other fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
(2Pe 3:18a) But grow in grace and in knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
(2Pe 1:2) Grace and peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord,
Peace- 7965 Hebrew- shalom (a parting greeting): completeness, soundness, welfare. Other Definitions: harmony, unity, undisturbness, ease, favorable, health, prosperity, safety, security, wellness, wholeness, oneness. We know shalom as nothing missing, nothing broken.
Greek- 1515 eiréné: oneness peace, quietness, rest. Other Definitions: peace of mind; to join, tie together into a whole”) – properly, wholeness, i.e. when all essential parts are joined together; peace (God’s gift of wholeness).
God- there are more thatn 956 names/titles of God, not to mention different spellings.
1.yah [YH] or Jah —transliteration from Hebrew
This is a contraction of the name YHWH, consisting of its first 2 letters.
Hebrew: יָהּ
Appears in the word “hallelujah” (literally “Praise Jah”)
2.Yahweh or YHWH or YHVH —transliteration from Hebrew-Hebrew: יהוה
Pious Jews carefully avoid saying this name, and substitute such words as Hashem, Adonai, “The Name,” etc.
The full title of our Savior is the Lord Jesus Christ. or the Lord Christ Jesus. Hebrew Yeshua or Yashua Ha’ Mashiach.
Full Understanding of Yeshua Ha’ Mashiach
Yeshua- Jesus (Latin)- taken from Joshua- Captain of my salvation
The title of Mashiach came from the Hebrew language and means “Anointed One.” Mashiach refers to an individual who is set apart to serve YHVH. Also refers to His many membered Body, the Body of Christ. See 42nd generation of Jesus’geneology.
http://equippingthesaintsministries.blogspot.com/2014/08/42nd-generration.html
Matthew 1:1 :17; Luke 3:23-39
As Lord He is our absolute Master, with full rights to all we are and have. As Jesus He is our Savior from sin. As Christ (Messiah)He is our divinely anointed Prophet, Priest, and King. How much His name unfolds to every listening ear! (Believer’s Bible Commentary by William MacDonald)
As Paul opens his letter to the Ephesians with a pronouncement of grace and peace, he ends it with the same (vss. 6:23, 24).
Eph. 1: 1-23
Our Identity & Inheritance in Christ; Who We Are in Christ; Our Position in Christ
(Eph 1:12) for us to be to the praise of His glory, who previously had trusted in Christ;
1:12 It was our initial privilege (as Jews) to cherish the Messianic hope; our lives in Christ were destined to promote the celebration of His glorious plan with man (doxa, intention, opinion.). Mirror
Praise of His Glory:
We exist for the praise of God’s glory.
What is glory?
If you were to ask the average Christian what the word ‘Glory’ meant the chances are they would give a vague and fuzzy answer. Close analysis of the original Biblical texts suggests that this may be due to a weakness of the English word ‘glory’ rather than poor education on the part of the congregant. It is actually the case that the Biblical word ‘glory’ is a translation of twenty different words; twelve in the Hebrew and eight in the Greek.
Glory is defined as great beauty, splendor, honor, brightness, majesty, excellency, abundance, weightiness, goodness: MAGNIFICENCE
There are many definitions for glory. 2 words are Greek- doxa; Hebrew- kabod
Another definition of glory is the manifestation of God, everything He is and everything He does. And another word for glory is God’s opinion and intention for us. Jesus Christ,Yeshua Ha’ Massiach is the Glory of God.
Jeremiah 29:11-13 quotes God’s intentions for His people. ”For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope’” (NASB).
But His loving intentions toward us are not enough by themselves. There must be action on our part. The passage continues with these words, ‘
“Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jer. 29:14
When we call upon Him, when we pray, commune with Him, we now He is in us. Of course, in actuality. God finds us, we do not find Him. Holy Spirits draws us to Him.
Isaiah 60 describes so well the glory of God in us and coming up upon us.
Isaiah 60 Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.
2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you. 3 The Gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising.
We are called and privileged to glorify God, not just in singing and praying, not just in doing things we identify as “spiritual,” but also in every part of life, in every action, every thought, every feeling. This is what Paul said is praying without ceasing.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 pray without ceasing,
I call it “Practicing His Presence.”
Intimacy– INTO ME, YOU SEE–The more intimate we are with Him, the more He will share His heart with us and the more we will want to pray and intercede. That is praying without ceasing.
SO ITS ALL ABOUT PURSUING GOD, SEEKING GOD, PRACTICING HIS PRESENCE
Enjoying the Person, Presence and Power of the INDWELLING CHRIST.
First we must:
1. Consider the fact of His presence.
“I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Heb. 13:5).
Even Jesus was called Immanuel –“Immanuel…God with us” (Matthew 1:23).
2. Consider the fact of His indwelling. God in us.
I will carry this further, Christ in us, through us and as us.
“To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is CHRIST IN YOU, the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27).
John 14:17 “the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.
“At that day you shall know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I IN YOU” (John 14:20).
Go about your day acknowledging Him in everything you do and say. It takes time, practice and patience to get there. We all haven’t reached that pinnacle yet. But, I do admonish you and myself to practice His presence everyday.
Just think of how different your life might be if you began to think of glorifying God as the core purpose of everything.
Paul uses of the phrase “we who first trusted in Christ” appears to be referring specifically to the Jews. The apostle speaks of himself and other believing Jews as “we who first trusted in Christ.” He is thinking of the godly remnant of Jews who responded to the gospel in the early days of Christianity. The good news was first preached to the Jews. Most of the nation of Israel flatly rejected it. But the godly remnant believed on the Lord Jesus. Paul was one of that number. (Believer’s Bible Commentary by William MacDonald)
Every believer is a full-partaker in God’s inheritance that He has designated for His Son, Jesus Christ. Everything that God has for His Son, He has for the person who by faith (we have the faith of God) alone and as we acknowledge the union (eternal salvation) with Him. This involves many blessings/promises accessible by faith in this life. And this, along with all other blessings in Christ, was predetermined by God for the purpose of bringing praise/ glory to Him.
Sonship, redemption, inheritance, the Holy Spirit, access to God, participation in God’s work in and as Christ: all these blessings, and many more, Christians receive through Jesus Christ. Just to name a few.
May God give all of us in Jesus Christ a spirit of knowledge and wisdom to enlighten our hearts, so we may know the hope of His calling, the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe!
(Eph 1:13) in whom also you, having heard (the verb here is continuous and progressive) the Word of Truth, the gospel of our salvation, in whom also having believed (verb continuous and progressive), you were sealed (verb past tense) with the Holy Spirit of promise,
1:13 Now you (Gentiles) also have discovered yourselves to be equally included in Him having witnessed the unveiled logic of God. (The Word of truth, alethea, from a + lanthano, not hidden) What exciting news! Your salvation is publicly announced. Consistent with the promise of God, the Holy Spirit gives authentic guarantee to the fact of your faith, like the stamp of a signet ring that certifies a document. You are in Him! Mirror
Notice the verbs having heard and having believed:
These are Past Progressive (Continuous) Verbs, meaning they happened in the past and continue. When in the past? When did you hear?
I teach you heard from the beginning and then later in this physical life accepted that, acknowledged Christ. Gen. 1:26, 2Tim.1:9, 1 John 2:24, Is. 46:10, Eph 1:4,1 John 2:11-12, 1 John 2:13-14
Paul now turns his attention from the Jews (“we”) to the Gentiles (“you”). Those who have turned from paganism also have a share in the mystery of God’s plan for mankind. Paul outlines the steps by which the Ephesians and other Gentiles had been brought into union with Christ.
The steps follow:
1. They heard the gospel.
2. They trusted in Jesus Christ.
3. They were sealed with Holy Spirit.
This process never changes. There is only one plan of salvation for man. First a person must hear the Gospel—the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The word “hear” implies understanding, which is accomplished by the Holy Spirit’s convicting and convincing action upon the mind and heart of the individual (John 16:7-15). The word convict means convince.
Once a person understands what Christ has accomplished for him—the fact that Christ paid the penalty-price for his/her sin/sins—he /she then may either reject or receive, acknowledge God’s gift by faith alone in Christ alone. Of course, the faith of God is already in you. Gal 2:20. More on the faith (All About Faith) at http://equippingthesaintsministries.blogspot.com/search?q=Faith
These are the steps which are taught for salvation:
A person makes a genuine, willful decision to trust only in Christ, and not in anything else (self-efforts, good works, any institution or process), the Holy Spirit:
(1) baptizes (immerses) him into the Body of Christ and (2) seals his spirit for all eternity.
Eph. 1:13c you were sealed (verb past tense) with the Holy Spirit of promise,
“Sealed with the Holy Spirit of Promise.” This means that every person who acknowledges Jesus/Yeshua in his heart. (Rom. 10:8-10), then the Spirit of God confirms and promises that he/she belongs to God and that he will be kept safe by God until the time he receives his glorified body.
Of course, you belonged to God from the beginning. However, now you acknowledge that in your heart. We are reconciled to God. Reconciliation means agree with Father God about you. Jesus came to reveal the Father. Gen 1:26; 2 Tim. 1:9 1 John 1:1;1 John 2:24 Ephesians 1:4 1 John 2:7
Then the mark of ownership is confirmed as well as the source of power for living. We’re not under Law, but rather Grace, we’re under no demands to keep the commandments. Jesus/ Yeshua fulfilled the law. He came to reveal all the Father has for us from the beginning. The lamb was slain from the foundation of the world.Rev. 13:8
Revelation 13:8 “And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”
Christ being slain from the foundation of the world illustrates not only that He was foreordained to be slain, but also that the efficacy, or the beneficial effects of that death, is the same as if that sacrifice had been made before the creation of the world. Thus, Old Testament saints are washed clean in Christ’s blood the same as we are today. It was something which was as good as ‘done’ from the time that God ordained it. Jesus revealed all of that.
We are now under the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
When I say that, I get people saying; “oh that is hyper grace “Well what are you, just sort of set loose, and set free?” No, here’s the difference. We now recognize we have Holy Spirit, Spirit of Christ and He becomes our rudder, guide. He convinces me of righteous and sin. It doesn’t give us freedom to steal and covet, and all these other things that the Ten Commandants dealt with, because the Holy Spirit Himself takes care of that. He convinces me of righteous and sin.
John 16:8 (Holy Spirit) having come, He will convict (convince) the world concerning sin, and concerning righteousness, and concerning judgment; YLT
Gk.1651 elegchó:convict, convince, reprove, confute, admonish
Realizing salvation is a desire to is changed. He convinces us of our righteousness and we want to live out of that righteousness, Our whole design on life is changed, and this is what the world around us cannot understand.
Just as in legal matters a seal indicates ownership and security, so it does in divine affairs. The indwelling Spirit brands us as God’s property (1 Cor. 6:19, 20), and guarantees our preservation until the day of redemption (Eph. 4:30).
Our seal is called the “Holy Spirit of promise.” First, He is the “Holy” Spirit, Spirit of Christ; this is what He is in Himself. Then, He is the Spirit of “promise.” He was promised by the Father (Joel 2:28; Acts 1:4), and by the Lord Jesus (John 16:7). In addition, He is the guarantee that all God’s promises to the believer will be fulfilled.
Verse 13 rounds out the first of many mentions of the Trinity in this Letter.
God the Father (v. 3); God the Son (v. 7); God the Spirit (v. 13) (Believer’s Bible Commentary, by William MacDonald)
Questions about Trinity:
Some believe that the Doctrine of Trinity is not Biblical.
One idea that became popular among Christians around the fourth century was that of a trinity of gods. It was not, however, a new idea conceived by Christians, for there is much evidence of widespread belief in similar ideas throughout earlier recorded history.
Many scholars believe that the Trinity, as taught by Christians, comes from Plato as suggested in the Timaeus, but the Platonic trinity is itself merely a rearrangement of older trinities dating back to earlier peoples.
In Rome they were Jupiter, Neptune, and Pluto. In Babylonia and Assyria they were Anos, lllinos, and Aos. Among Celtic nations they were called Kriosan, Biosena, and Siva, and in Germanic nations they were called Thor, Wodan, and Fricco.
Trinities of gods existed in other cultures as well, including, but not limited to, those of Siberia, Persia, Japan, Scandinavia, and Mexico.
The word trinity was introduced by Tertullian (160-225 A.D.) and yet he did not teach what the trinity doctrine as today. He taught that, “These three are one substance, not one person.” In his book Tertullian against Praxeas, he states that the Son was not co-eternal with the Father and that He had a beginning as the literal Son of God. He also did not teach that the Holy Spirit was a literal being. So the trinity doctrine did not even come from the man who introduced the word Trinity. This doctrine formed slowly over time and hence could never have existed in the early Church.
Scriptures to research:
Matthew 3:16-17; 8:29; 11:27; 12:18; 14:33; 16:16; 17:5; 27:54
Mark 5:7; 15:39
Luke 1:32; 8:28; 9:35; 10:22
John 1:18; 1:34; 1:49; 3:16; 5:19-23; 6:40; 6:69; 8:42; 10:15; 11:4; 12:49-50; 14:13; 14:23; 14:28; 16:17; 17:1-26
Acts 2:22-24; 3:13; 3:26; 9:20
Romans 1:4; 5:10; 8:13; 8:29-32
1 Corinthians 11:3; 15:28
2 Corinthians 1:19
Galatians 4:4
Colossians 1:13
1 Thessalonians 1:10
Hebrews 1:2; 4:14; 5:8; 7:3; 11:17
2 Peter 1:17
1 John 1:3; 1:22; 3:23; 4:10; 4:14-15; 5:6; 5:11-12
2 John 1:9
Revelation 2:8
Others say the Doctrine of Trinity is Biblical.
The Trinity is One God existing in three Persons. Understand that this is not in any way suggesting three Gods. Keep in mind when studying this subject that the word “Trinity” is not found in Scripture. This is a term that is used to attempt to describe the triune God—three coexistent, co-eternal Persons who are God. Of real importance is that the concept represented by the word “Trinity” does exist in Scripture. The following is what God’s Word says about the Trinity:
1) There is one God (Deuteronomy 6:4; 1 Corinthians 8:4; Galatians 3:20; 1 Timothy 2:5).
2) The Trinity consists of three Persons (Genesis 1:1, 26; 3:22; 11:7; Isaiah 6:8, 48:16, 61:1; Matthew 3:16-17, 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14). In Genesis 1:1, the Hebrew plural noun “Elohim” is used. In Genesis 1:26, 3:22, 11:7 and Isaiah 6:8, the plural pronoun for “us” is used. The word “Elohim” and the pronoun “us” are plural forms, definitely referring in the Hebrew language to more than two. While this is not an explicit argument for the Trinity, it does denote the aspect of plurality in God. The Hebrew word for “God,” “Elohim,” definitely allows for the Trinity.
In Isaiah 48:16 and 61:1, the Son is speaking while making reference to the Father and the Holy Spirit. Compare Isaiah 61:1 to Luke 4:14-19 to see that it is the Son speaking. Matthew 3:16-17 describes the event of Jesus’ baptism. Seen in this passage is God the Holy Spirit descending on God the Son while God the Father proclaims His pleasure in the Son. Matthew 28:19 and 2 Corinthians 13:14 are examples of three distinct Persons in the Trinity.
3) The members of the Trinity are distinguished one from another in various passages. In the Old Testament, “LORD” is distinguished from “Lord” (Genesis 19:24; Hosea 1:4). The LORD has a Son (Psalm 2:7, 12; Proverbs 30:2-4). The Spirit is distinguished from the “LORD” (Numbers 27:18) and from “God” (Psalm 51:10-12). God the Son is distinguished from God the Father (Psalm 45:6-7; Hebrews 1:8-9). In the New Testament, Jesus speaks to the Father about sending a Helper, the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17). This shows that Jesus did not consider Himself to be the Father or the Holy Spirit. Consider also all the other times in the Gospels where Jesus speaks to the Father. Was He speaking to Himself? No. He spoke to another Person in the Trinity—the Father.
4) Each member of the Trinity is God. The Father is God (John 6:27; Romans 1:7; 1 Peter 1:2). The Son is God (John 1:1, 14; Romans 9:5; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 1:8; 1 John 5:20). The Holy Spirit is God (Acts 5:3-4; 1 Corinthians 3:16).
5) There is subordination within the Trinity. Scripture shows that the Holy Spirit is subordinate to the Father and the Son, and the Son is subordinate to the Father. This is an internal relationship and does not deny the deity of any Person of the Trinity. This is simply an area which our finite minds cannot understand concerning the infinite God. Concerning the Son see Luke 22:42, John 5:36, John 20:21, and 1 John 4:14. Concerning the Holy Spirit see John 14:16, 14:26, 15:26, 16:7, and especially John 16:13-14.
6) The individual members of the Trinity have different tasks. The Father is the ultimate source or cause of the universe (1 Corinthians 8:6; Revelation 4:11); divine revelation (Revelation 1:1); salvation (John 3:16-17); and Jesus’ human works (John 5:17; 14:10). The Father initiates all of these things.
The Son is the agent through whom the Father does the following works: the creation and maintenance of the universe (1 Corinthians 8:6; John 1:3; Colossians 1:16-17); divine revelation (John 1:1, 16:12-15; Matthew 11:27; Revelation 1:1); and salvation (2 Corinthians 5:19; Matthew 1:21; John 4:42). The Father does all these things through the Son, who functions as His agent.
The Holy Spirit is the means by whom the Father does the following works: creation and maintenance of the universe (Genesis 1:2; Job 26:13; Psalm 104:30); divine revelation (John 16:12-15; Ephesians 3:5; 2 Peter 1:21); salvation (John 3:6; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:2); and Jesus’ works (Isaiah 61:1; Acts 10:38). Thus, the Father does all these things by the power of the Holy Spirit.
You decide. Let Holy Spirit confirm the truth to you. God is God, whether three in One or One. God doesn’t care if we are theogically correct unless it hinders faith.
We are foolish to get into arguments over doctrine.
2 Tim 2:23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.
We shall never disfellowship because of our beliefs. We are One.
John 16:13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.
LESSON 2-Chptr 1-EPHESIANS
Eph. 1: 1-23
Our Identity & Inheritance in Christ; Who We Are in Christ; Our Position in Christ
Eph. 1:13 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,
One sentence
(Eph 1:14) who is the earnest of our inheritance, to the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
1:14 He is our tangible link (title deed) to the inheritance that was ransomed and preserved for us. His glorious plan with man is the theme of our celebration. Mirror
Expanded translations says: Eph. 1:14 Who [the Holy Spirit] is the deposit [pledge] of our inheritance, with reference to the release [redemption] of spiritual assets [invisible tools], for the praise of His glory.
Earnest of our Inheritance:
Holy Spirit’s seal or guarantee is the upfront payment, surety, earnest. As mentioned before, this means that every believer has the Spirit of God as a sign that he belongs to God and that he will be kept safe by God until the time he receives his glorified body. Just as in legal matters a seal indicates ownership and security, so it does in divine affairs. The indwelling Spirit brands us as God’s property (1 Cor. 6:19-20)
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body [a]and in your spirit, which are God’ and guarantees our preservation until the day of redemption (Eph. 4:30).
Ephesians 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Our seal is called the “Holy Spirit of promise.” First, He is the “Holy” Spirit, Spirit of Christ; this is what He is in Himself. Then, He is the Spirit of “promise.” He was promised by the Father (Joel 2:28; Acts 1:4).
Joel 2:28 “And it shall come to pass afterward,That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,Your old men shall dream dreams,
Your young men shall see visions.
Notice I will pour out of my Spirit. Holy Spirit is already in you, coming out of you, not pour externally.
and by the Lord Jesus (John 16:7).
John 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.
In addition, He is the guarantee that all God’s promises to the believer will be fulfilled.
2 Corinthians 1:20 – For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.
To the Redemption of the Purchased Possession
In verse 14 Paul changes his pronouns. He merges the “we” of verse 11 and 12 with the “you” of verse 13 to form the “our” in this verse. Using this skillful literary device, he hints of what he will more fully explain in chapters 2 and 3—the mystery of the union between both Jews and Gentiles into one spiritual body, Body of Christ, the new organism called the Church.
One New Man- (This is mentioned in Eph. 2:15)
First introduced in Ephesians 2:15, the concept on the One New Man refers to both Jewish and Gentile Believers, reconciled together under God, through one body. The Holy Spirit revealed to Paul and the Apostles the idea of One New Man as an invitation for all, Jew and Gentile to worship, pray, eat and serve together, tearing down walls of separation. Jesus/Yeshua taught and demonstrated the Kingdom of God, as One New Man, throughout the land of Israel.
We shall go into much detail in Ephesians chapter 2.
And to both the Jews and the Gentiles the Holy Spirit is the “down payment” (earnest payment) that guarantees that they will receive their full inheritance, which will come when the “purchased possession” is fully redeemed. Individually, the “purchased possession” is the person’s spirit, soul. and body but the inheritance is not yet complete. The spiritual part of man, his spirit, is redeemed he has the gift of eternal life. Again, our spirit is saved, our soul (mind, will emotions) is being saved and our bodies shall be saved.
Our spirit is saved, full redemption. The soul is being saved, sanctification and the body shall be saved, glorification.
I teach that the spirit is not dead, only darkened and light comes in. 2 Cor. 4:6
The body will not be completely redeemed until —the time when Christ comes back (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen [a]asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who [b]sleep in Jesus.15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are [c]asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
To bring to Himself all believers living at that time and the bodies of those who are “asleep” in Him. At that time each believer’s body, joined with his spirit, creating he soul again and will be caught up to Christ and will be transformed to be fashioned like the glorious body of His Savior (Philippians 3:21).
Philippians 3:21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
Then he (mankind)soul and body, will be fully and forever redeemed (Romans 8:23)—spirit is already redeemed.
Romans 8:23 Not only that, but we also who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.
REDEMPTION
Justification
Sanctification
Glorification
(The Lord Jesus Christ) shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself” (Phil. 3:20, 21).
Our bodies, the same ones that may be planted in death, will pass under a great transformation and be raised. If we should plant a lily, a lily will come up; if we plant wheat, wheat will come up; if we plant tares, tares will come up; if we plant human bodies, glorified human bodies will come up. God looks upon the cemeteries as nothing but harvest fields. The seeds in these harvest fields are the bodies of the dead (sleeping), and the harvest is the resurrection.
“And we shall be changed” (I Cor. 15:52). Spirit is completely changed.Yes, a great transformation is taking place, (soul) but it will be the same body, for the resurrected body of Christ proves that it will be the same body, as He bore in His resurrected body the print of the nails.
Again, to the Praise of His Glory
• Understand that the chief purpose for God’s blessing us is to bring glory to Himself by making us holy and blameless in love.
To God be the Glory Forever!!
I’m reminded of a song by Andre Crouch.