Christ and His Church in Ephesians
Ephesians is great composition of Paul under the inspiration of Holy Spirit to explain the relation of a believer and the church to Christ Jesus. The Key phrase in the entire letter is “In Christ”. The words are repeated to show how the believing child of God in Christ has been blessed spiritually, to name a few, chosen in Him, predestined in love, adopted for sonship, redeemed by the blood, sealed with Holy Spirit and built as a Temple of God. Holy Spirit elaborates more on what the relation of Christ is to the Church?
Here are few truths about Christ and his church from letter to Ephesians
1.Christ the Channel of blessing – “Church (ἐκκλησία ) is blessed (εὐλογητός ) in Christ” – Ephesians 1:3-14
2.Christ the head (κεφαλὴν ) – Church his body (σῶμα) and his fullness or completeness(πλήρωμα ) – Ephesians 1:22-23
3.Christ the Cornerstone (ἀκρογωνιαῖος ) – Church the temple (ναός ) of God– Ephesians 2:20-22
4.Mystery of Christ – Gentile are fellow heirs (συγκληρονόμος ) in promise – One people – Ephesians 3:6
5.Eternal purpose in Christ – Church to display manifold wisdom (σοφία ) of God – Ephesians 3:10-11
6.Christ the Lord (κύριος ) – Church is blessed with gifts (δόμα ) – Ephesians 4:4,8
7.Christ the Groom - husband (ἀνήρ - man) loves - Church the bride (γυνή - wife ) – Ephesians 5:2, 25,32
Writing to Church at Ephesus, Paul portrays what they are “in Christ”. What God has done in Christ Jesus for them and How have been blessed. As we study the letter to Ephesians “May the Lord open our eyes of our heart to comprehend, length, breadth, height and depth of love of God in Christ, Amen”.
Lets us study each of the above relational aspects of Christ and his church
1.Christ the channel of blessing – “Church the blessed in Christ” – The Theme of all of Ephesians is “Making known to us the Mystery of his will, according to the purpose God set forth in Christ, as the plan for the fullness of time to unite all things in Christ”. Proper exegesis of Ephesians 1:3-14 clearly says that How God has blessed us in Christ Jesus. Systematicians look at a text and read their understanding into the text and classify that blessings are of Father, son and Holy Spirit. But as you read the passage the help of Holy Spirit, it is just one long paragraph, which says how the saints at Ephesus, the faithful in Christ are blessed by God in Christ.
Here are the blessings “in Christ”
a. In Christ - Chosen us - before the foundations of the world –v3. God chose his people before the foundation of the world. What a comforting thought? He says to Jeremiah that he was chosen before the his birth – Jeremiah 1:5. Again through the letter to Romans – the great truth of Election – Romans 9:13 talking about Esau and Jacob, that God chose Jacob. It is not us who chose him but he chose us – John 15:16. Is it corporate election or personal election? Ponder on that…
b. In Christ - Predestined us - v5. God has set the destiny ahead. Whom he foreknow, he also predestined to be confirmed to the image of his son – Romans 8:29 – Predestination is for us to be confirmed to the perfect image of his son. Even in Ephesians that is reason, He not only unites all things in Christ, put all under Christ, he confirms his people to image – Eph 4:13. To full stature of measure of Christ – again the image of son.
c. Adoption through Jesus Christ – v5. We are adopted into the family of God through Christ Jesus, we are given the Spirit of sonship – so that we can call “Abba, Father”. One can become child of God only if he/she has relation with Christ – John 1:12 – To them that receive Christ, he gave them power to become children of God.
d. In Christ, we have redemption through his blood – “Forgiveness of our sins” – v7. Redeeming work of Christ Jesus gives us forgiveness of our sin. Without shedding of blood there is no remission of sins. Through the work of Cross – Jesus has brought redeemed us from the curse of the Law – Gal 3:13, curse of sin, penalty of sin and wrath of God.
e. In Christ we obtained an Inheritance – v11 – Unfading, incorruptible inheritance – 1 Peter 1:4
f. Through gospel believed in Christ – sealed with Holy Spirit the guarantee – v13. Again in Christ – we have received holy Spirit. People who do not have relationship with Christ – have not the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:9 - If anyone who does not have the spirit of Christ, does not belong to God. Only after believing in Christ Jesus, he sends us the Spirit. John 14 and 15 our Lord explains that he asks the father to send the Holy Spirit. Only through Christ are we sealed with Holy Spirit. Peter on the day of Pentecost explains in Acts 2:36-38, Repent, believe, baptize and receive Holy Spirit. Seal of Holy Spirit talks about couple of things – Ownership and authority. Here Seal of Holy Spirit is a deposit, guarantee to make sure we get the full inheritance of God in Christ Jesus in future, the works of Holy Spirit proves and points to future fulfillment of all the completeness of eternal blessings in Christ Jesus.
We are so blessed, if only the believers in Christ Jesus could understand, praise and worship for his blessings.
2.Christ the head (κεφαλὴν ) – Church his body (σῶμα) and his fullness or completeness(πλήρωμα ) – Ephesians 1:22-23
Headship represents authority; Headship represents the one who leads. Christ who is our head, church is his body. Body analogy is given so that we can understand. To Christ belongs authority in Church, All authority is given to me – Matt 28:19-20, He put all things under Christ – Ephesians 1:21. To the Church – Christ is head. Church gets all the authority to do the works from the head of Christ, all the thoughts and will of the God is revealed through Christ to the church. Church is the Body, When Christ gives the commands the hands, feet and body does the work, Church is Christ hands, feet and implements the work of the Lord. Church is the body which is seen to this world and ministers to the need of the people around. In the church as members of body, all submit to the headship to Christ, Romans Chapter 12, 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4 explain how the Church functions as the body. In the body there are several members, so church has several members as the body of Christ. As the members of body has several different functions, so does the members of Church have distinct work to do, some play music, some are called to preach/teach, some are called to Pastor, some are called to be evangelists, apostles, prophets and so on as mentioned in Ephesians 4. But to all the head is Christ, It is Christ who appoints and communicates the work to each of the member of the body. Christ who calls, ordains and communicates.
We are his fullness – completeness. Church is the completeness of Christ. Through church the manifold wisdom of God is displayed, through Church Christ is shown to the world. We are ambassadors of Christ, fragrance of Christ, representatives of Christ, apostles (sent) by Christ, We are display of the God’s fullness of Christ. The word (πλήρωμα ) is used several times - Eph 3:18 - Filled with fullness of God, Eph 5:18 – filled with spirit. The word Pleroomai – means “make complete”, “have a full degree” and “perfection”. Church becomes the completeness of Christ, Church is the have full degree of Christ, in another words the world should Christ in and through the Church.
For a believers personal life, the thoughts, will and life from Christ, Christ is the head of all believers – 1 Corinthians 11. Every child of God who realizes that, honors his head, gives priority and exalts the Christ who is the head.
3.Christ the Cornerstone (ἀκρογωνιαῖος ) – Church the temple (ναός ) of God– Ephesians 2:20-22
Christ is the corner stone for the church. Lord Jesus said – “I will build my church” – It is Lord who builds the church – Lord added unto them as that were saved daily – Acts 2:47. It is the Lord who builds but he is the corner stone of the church, without Christ, there is no structure of Church. Church is group of people who are forgiven by the sacrifice of Christ Jesus and redeemed and made children of God,that is how Christ is the cornerstone of Church. As mentioned in Isaiah 28:16 “Therefore thus says the LORD, I am the one who laid foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone a precious corner stone of a sure foundation”. LORD God almighty has laid a corner stone in Zion – Christ Jesus our Lord. The stone that builders rejected has become a precious corner stone – Ps 118:22. Which our Lord quotes talking to the Pharisees in Matthew 21:42. Pharisees the builders of the God’s ekklesia – congregation rejected the cornerstone, but God has laid the foundation on this stone. Christ Jesus is the stone is seen as the stone in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in Daniel 2. Church is built on the cornerstone of Christ Jesus.
God wanted to dwell in the middle of the people that was his desire from the beginning , the theme runs through- out the bible, from Genesis to Revelation for example here are few references – Exodus 29:45-46, Zech 2:10, 2 Corinthians 6:16-18, Revelation 21:3.
How God dwelt in the middle of the people was in tabernacle while Israel made journey from the Egypt to promised land, Exodus 25:8 – Let them make a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst. Every time the tent was pitched the tabernacle was erected and the God’s glory and presence was there to council and help the people of God. When Israel found rest in the promised land, LORD God dwelt in the middle of the nation in Jerusalem, where Temple was built by Solomon there his glory and presence dwelt – 1 kings 8. All nation of Israel gathered to the LORD at Jerusalem.
But in New Testament, the promise and work was fulfilled in the more special and wonderful way that church became the Temple of God, where God dwells. Every time a group of believers gather, the temple of Christ is established. 1 Corinthians 3:16 – talking to the Church at Corinth Paul says, you are temple of God, Holy Spirit dwells in you, You are that temple. God dwells in the believer – 1 Corinthians 6:19 – Do you not know you’re your body is temple of the living God and Holy Spirit dwells in you.
In the church God dwells – Revelation 2 & 3 chapters explain that Christ walks in the middle of church and observe everything that goes on, yes Church is temple of God and He dwells in the Church.
4.Mystery of Christ – Gentile are fellow heirs (συγκληρονόμος ) in promise – One people – Ephesians 3:6
Israel was God’s covenant people, to them belongs the Law, oracles of God, but God who is rich in mercy, rich in his grace has opened the gates of salvation to the gentiles who believe and come in to become the people of God, like Israelites, become the co-heirs of the household of God. Ephesians 2 – clearly says the middle wall of separation was broken down to make one new people for the Lord. We are grafted to the olive tree to become a part take in the promises of God, to be special people and chosen of the Lord – Romans 11:11-24.
There is no difference between Jew or Gentile in the house of God, all are washed and saved through the same manner. Gal 3:28.
The promise to Abraham because of you all nations will be blessed and the Malachi prophet’s words that name of the Lord will be beyond the borders of Israel. The Mystery of Christ is that Gentiles who are far apart from the common wealth of God, are fellow heirs of Jewish family, members of same body, so Jew and Gentiles become one body which is the church, that God wanted and promised for a long time they become the partaker of the promise through gospel of Christ Jesus. It is the gospel who is the agent who brings the mystery to gather – to make Jews and Gentile to one body and one people of God.
5.Eternal purpose in Christ – Church to display manifold wisdom (σοφία ) of God – Ephesians 3:10-11
Purpose of God in Christ is to display the wisdom of God through the church. Christ is the wisdom of God – I Corinthians 1:30 – Wisdom of God is displayed to the rulers, powers and authorities through the church. Church is the medium through which the Christ’s Word of wisdom, works of wisdom, are displayed. Powers of the world, authorities will learn the wisdom of God through church. 1 Peter 1:10 – Angels are interested in the plan of salvation and how God is working his plan. When sinner repent angels rejoice in the presence of God as mentioned in Luke 15:10, 1 Corinthians 11:1-10 – says the angels sake cover the head, that indicates the Angels come to the church. Manifold wisdom – Wisdom is multi-colored of many ways.
6.Christ the Lord (κύριος ) – Church is blessed with gifts (δόμα ) – Ephesians 4:4, 8
The ascended Lord gave gifts to the church, He descended and then he ascended, after his ascension he gave gifts. Christ gives gifts to use it for building of the church – Eph 4:12-13, so that the believers may grow to the full measure of Christ, to the mature manhood of Christ. Wiersbe says gifts are not toys to play with but tools to build with. The reason the Lord gave gifts is for mutual edification of the members of body. Gifts are of many kinds, some have debated it to be temporary vs permanent, the text does not talk about that. The text about the 4 different offices , Apostles, Prophets, evangelist and Pastor-teach and the functions are mentioned in the 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12. The gifts and calling of the Lord is irrevocable. The gifts if not proper used, the Lord will discipline. One day the Lord will ask the account of how the gifts are used as illustrated in the parable of talent in Matt 25. Are you using your gift for the Lord? The one who hid the gift was the one who had a wrong view of the master. This one did not invest his gift for the Lord.
7. Christ the Groom - husband (ἀνήρ - man) loves - Church the bride (γυνή - wife ) – Ephesians 5:2, 25,32
God is husband and Israel is the wife – Isaiah 54:5, all book of Hosea is about Israel as God’s unfaithful wife. God entered a relationship with his people through covenant, which our Lord likens to a marriage relationship. Idolatry is treated as spiritual adultery. In the NT, the Christ Jesus is portrayed as the groom and husband of the church. The duty of the husband is to love his wife – Christ demonstrated, Gal 1:4; 2:20; Ephesians 5:2 he loved us and gave himself for us. Church has entered the relationship which is started by believing and trusting Christ Jesus a person’s savior and Lord at which time the Holy Spirit is given as a deposit to indwell as a guarantee of the full blessing to come. Believer and Church has to respect and submit to Christ. They become one, Christ and church as one. The famous Hymn – The Church is one foundation and Jesus Christ her lord. From heaven he came and sought us to be his holy bride. The love of Christ – sacrificial love (5:25), and Love of Christ is sanctifying Love – 5:26. He washed the church with water of his word to be pure and blameless.
In Christ
Sam Boodala
http://sboodala.blogspot.com
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Ekklesia in Ephesians
Christ and Church in Ephesians
Ekklesia is the mighty theme in Ephesians, PAul dedicates more to the Spiritual blessing of the church (1-3) and Spiritual life of the church (4-6). Great truths are taught in the Letter to Ephesians about the Church. Lot of theologians says the theme of Ephesians is Church. Spirit of God puts a lot of emphasis on the Church but as I seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit and read the Letter to Ephesians again and again in English, Greek and telugu, I am convinced that the theme to be “All things in Christ”, 1. Chapter 1 - All things under his feet” 2. Chapter 2 - One in Christ 3. Chapter 3 - Mystery of Christ and Chapters 4-6 - Christian living. Ephesians starts with Spiritual blessings and ends with the Spiritual warfare and armor of God.
Here are the 9 references to Church (ἐκκλησία )
Ephesians 1:22 - And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Ephesians 3:10 - so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 3:21 - to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 5:23 - For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.
Ephesians 5:24 - Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.
Ephesians 5:25 - Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her
Ephesians 5:27 - o that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.
Ephesians 5:29: - For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church
Ephesians 5:32 - This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.
Ekklesia is the mighty theme in Ephesians, PAul dedicates more to the Spiritual blessing of the church (1-3) and Spiritual life of the church (4-6). Great truths are taught in the Letter to Ephesians about the Church. Lot of theologians says the theme of Ephesians is Church. Spirit of God puts a lot of emphasis on the Church but as I seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit and read the Letter to Ephesians again and again in English, Greek and telugu, I am convinced that the theme to be “All things in Christ”, 1. Chapter 1 - All things under his feet” 2. Chapter 2 - One in Christ 3. Chapter 3 - Mystery of Christ and Chapters 4-6 - Christian living. Ephesians starts with Spiritual blessings and ends with the Spiritual warfare and armor of God.
Here are the 9 references to Church (ἐκκλησία )
Ephesians 1:22 - And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Ephesians 3:10 - so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 3:21 - to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 5:23 - For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.
Ephesians 5:24 - Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.
Ephesians 5:25 - Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her
Ephesians 5:27 - o that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.
Ephesians 5:29: - For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church
Ephesians 5:32 - This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Chosen by Grace - Election a Spiritual blessing
Blessing of God the Father in Christ Jesus
Ephesians Chapter 1
Some Exegetical and Devotional thoughts on Ephesians
Prayer: May God the Father and our Lord Jesus help us, through his Holy Spirit we may understand and live in the “riches of Christ” for the praise of his glorious grace, Amen.
Paul writing to predominantly gentile congregation of Ephesians, talks about the blessings in Christ Jesus. The theme of the Ephesians is, The mystery (μυστήριον) of his will (θέλημα) to unite ( ἀνακεφαλαιόω) all things in Christ Jesus. Some have debated that the main thought of Ephesians is Ecclesiology, which I agree that Christ and Church is one of the main theme, but not the unifying and central theme.
Grace (χάρις) to you and peace ( εἰρήνη) from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. Grace (charis) was the common greeting in the gentile congregation of Ephesus, riches of grace of God is explained in verse 7. Grace is key word for entire epistle.
Here is the outline of Ephesians 1:3-13
God the Father blessed us with every spiritual (πνευματικός) blessing (Εὐλογητὸς) in Christ Jesus and Paul mentions some here in the first chapter of Ephesians. The Jewish Berakhah - like Psalm 66:20, or Blessed be the God of Israel - Psalm 41:13, is used by the Paul. Blessed be God the Father who blessed us. It is the blessed who can bless.
Blessings (Εὐλογητὸς) of God (ὁ θεὸς) “In Christ”...
Chosen - Election (ἐξελέξατο - ἐκλέγομαι)
Predestined (προορίζω) us for Adoption
Redemption (ἀπολύτρωσις) through his blood
Holy Spirit ( πνεῦμα) guarantee of the inheritance (κληρονομία)
Today for my own devotion, would limit myself to the doctrine of Election.
Chosen (ἐξελέξατο) -
Election is the divine thought, that finite human mind by the Spirit of God should understand for the praise of his glory. As John Calvin says in his Institutes, some stay back from the difficult doctrine of Election, there are some who claim as if they know it entirely, go where God does not want us to go. I love How John Calvin goes into reference after reference from the divine Holy writ to prove his point of predestination.
To meditate on the divine thought of Election by grace... Lets mediate these four questions to properly exegete the passage
1.Who chose us? Did we not choose him in our Salvation? Does not christian raise their hands or walk to the front to acknowledge their faith in Christ? Does that mean we chose God somehow? No not at all. It is God who chose us. Not we chose him. Ephesians 1:4 - God chose us in him (Christ) - It is God out of the purpose of his will, through the council of his will for his own pleasure has chosen us. It is not us who have chosen him, but he chose us. Another passage in the scripture that talks about the who made the choice is John 15:16 - “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you” - This verse proves that It is not us who chose him, but It is He (God) who chose us. Even this verse talks about the purpose of his will in choosing us, to bear fruit and that fruit might abide, and even his election or selection is our basis for prayer. So it is God who chose us not we choosing him. Man is totally depraved, the fall has effected man so much that he by himself can never choose God, even before fall, it was Adam’s choice that brought sin into the world. So this shows that man even in his best state could not choose God nor obey him perfectly. It is God who came in search of Adam, and asked Adam where are you? Yes, He did choose us not us choosing him.
2.When did God chose us? - Did God chose us after we have behaved good or bad, Has he seen us somehow and chose us? Did he chose us after we are born? Did God chose us after we by faith made our confession in Christ Jesus? Ephesians 1:4-5 clearly explain, before the foundation of world (κόσμος) God has chosen us. There are several passage that emphasis on this truth, election before birth or election before any good deed. Here are few references from the Holy Writ -
a.Jeremiah 1:5 - The call of Jeremiah by God - "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,and before you were born I consecrated you;I appointed you a prophet to the nations." - God is saying that he knew, consecrated, appointed him to be a prophet. This was before he was formed in the womb. Election before birth.
b.Romans 9:5 - This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring. For this is what the promise said: "About this time next year I will return, and Sarah shall have a son." And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— she was told, "The older will serve the younger." As it is written, "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated." Some claim this to be an election of race of Israel, but if you see the text, the text talks about 2 individuals Jacob and Esau - though they were not yet born. We clearly see that there the Election was not of the race of Israel - but of the individual of Jacob before his birth. Not after doing good or bad, but before birth.
c.Revelation 13:8: and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain - Here we note that the names were written in the Lamb’s book of life before the foundation of the world. Lambs book of life - exists before any person is born, their names are already written in the book, before even world existed. How wonderful our God is to write our names in that book, not right before we were born, but before the foundation of the world. That means, our names, our lives were in the mind of God even before the time started.
3.How did he choose us? What criteria did God use to select or choose the elect? Is it our thoughts Or Is it our deeds that were commendable before God? World uses or elects depending upon the merits, World has competitions, exams, tests, and even selection criterion? God did not select us based upon any criterion. If that was so, it would never be called Election of Grace, it should be election of works or merits. The truth is illustrated by Romans 9:11 says - “though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls” - this verse clearly states that it not after they have done good or bad. If he chose us by works or merits, we all would have boasting before his throne, but scripture says in Ephesians 2:8 “ For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” - There would be no chance for any to boast. As we see in Romans chapter 1-3 - Paul’s proves that all mankind is guilty and are for Judgment of God. There is none righteous - No not one - Romans 3:10. Clearly Romans 3 makes it plain that it is not by any works, good works, but for his glory. So on the basis of merit, none would qualify, none would be able to stand before God. Salvation is act of God, act of his grace, mercy and his love. Not by any merit. Martin Lloyd-Jones says in his book “God ultimate purpose” - Page 92, that God in his foreknowledge saw what decisions you and I would make and then chose/elect people based on that information, Bible does not talk about that all. If God saw through the lens of time, and saw decisions of all his people would make He is no more influencing it, How could he become the author of our salvation, or How would be John 15:16 be coherent. Election or selection is a act of grace alone, Salvation belongs to the Lord - Jonah 2:9, Psalm 3:8. So it is no criteria is involved in Election - It is just a act of grace and Love of God in Election.
4.Why did he chose us? What does the scripture talk about why he chose us? Does he have any selfish motive in choosing us? Can we talk about of God like that? Love is prime factor in election, act of Love of God and not man. He chose us because he loved us. Explained by the following verses
Deuteronomy 7:7-8: It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the LORD set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but it is because the LORD loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the LORD has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. - There are 2 factors noted in the above passage, the first is the love and second the oath he swore to fathers (Word) are mentioned. Just because he loved and gave a promise to father, he chose Israel. All the reason for election is in him, not us.
Deuteronomy 10:14-15:Yet the LORD set his heart in love on your fathers and chose their offspring after them, you above all peoples, as you are this day. Again love is shown clearly as motive behind.
Romans 9:24 - In order to make know the riches of his grace and mercy - That God in Christ Jesus has chosen us.
Ephesians 1:4-5: In love he predestined us. Dr.D.A.Carson talks about the Love of God and says God Electing or selecting Love - to chose for himself a people as a sovereign act of love.
So Who chose us? God the Father has chosen us - When did he chose us? Before the foundation of the world was laid. How did he chose us? With no selection criteria - Why did he chose us? Because of his love - and also his love. We are chosen by his grace - Romans 11:5.
May all who are elect in Christ Jesus comprehend the breadth, length, height and depth of love of God in Christ Jesus and his eulogetos (blessings) en christo (In Christ), he bestowed over us and be filled with his fullness.
In Christ
Samson S Boodala
http://sboodala.blogspot.com
Ephesians Chapter 1
Some Exegetical and Devotional thoughts on Ephesians
Prayer: May God the Father and our Lord Jesus help us, through his Holy Spirit we may understand and live in the “riches of Christ” for the praise of his glorious grace, Amen.
Paul writing to predominantly gentile congregation of Ephesians, talks about the blessings in Christ Jesus. The theme of the Ephesians is, The mystery (μυστήριον) of his will (θέλημα) to unite ( ἀνακεφαλαιόω) all things in Christ Jesus. Some have debated that the main thought of Ephesians is Ecclesiology, which I agree that Christ and Church is one of the main theme, but not the unifying and central theme.
Grace (χάρις) to you and peace ( εἰρήνη) from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. Grace (charis) was the common greeting in the gentile congregation of Ephesus, riches of grace of God is explained in verse 7. Grace is key word for entire epistle.
Here is the outline of Ephesians 1:3-13
God the Father blessed us with every spiritual (πνευματικός) blessing (Εὐλογητὸς) in Christ Jesus and Paul mentions some here in the first chapter of Ephesians. The Jewish Berakhah - like Psalm 66:20, or Blessed be the God of Israel - Psalm 41:13, is used by the Paul. Blessed be God the Father who blessed us. It is the blessed who can bless.
Blessings (Εὐλογητὸς) of God (ὁ θεὸς) “In Christ”...
Chosen - Election (ἐξελέξατο - ἐκλέγομαι)
Predestined (προορίζω) us for Adoption
Redemption (ἀπολύτρωσις) through his blood
Holy Spirit ( πνεῦμα) guarantee of the inheritance (κληρονομία)
Today for my own devotion, would limit myself to the doctrine of Election.
Chosen (ἐξελέξατο) -
Election is the divine thought, that finite human mind by the Spirit of God should understand for the praise of his glory. As John Calvin says in his Institutes, some stay back from the difficult doctrine of Election, there are some who claim as if they know it entirely, go where God does not want us to go. I love How John Calvin goes into reference after reference from the divine Holy writ to prove his point of predestination.
To meditate on the divine thought of Election by grace... Lets mediate these four questions to properly exegete the passage
1.Who chose us? Did we not choose him in our Salvation? Does not christian raise their hands or walk to the front to acknowledge their faith in Christ? Does that mean we chose God somehow? No not at all. It is God who chose us. Not we chose him. Ephesians 1:4 - God chose us in him (Christ) - It is God out of the purpose of his will, through the council of his will for his own pleasure has chosen us. It is not us who have chosen him, but he chose us. Another passage in the scripture that talks about the who made the choice is John 15:16 - “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you” - This verse proves that It is not us who chose him, but It is He (God) who chose us. Even this verse talks about the purpose of his will in choosing us, to bear fruit and that fruit might abide, and even his election or selection is our basis for prayer. So it is God who chose us not we choosing him. Man is totally depraved, the fall has effected man so much that he by himself can never choose God, even before fall, it was Adam’s choice that brought sin into the world. So this shows that man even in his best state could not choose God nor obey him perfectly. It is God who came in search of Adam, and asked Adam where are you? Yes, He did choose us not us choosing him.
2.When did God chose us? - Did God chose us after we have behaved good or bad, Has he seen us somehow and chose us? Did he chose us after we are born? Did God chose us after we by faith made our confession in Christ Jesus? Ephesians 1:4-5 clearly explain, before the foundation of world (κόσμος) God has chosen us. There are several passage that emphasis on this truth, election before birth or election before any good deed. Here are few references from the Holy Writ -
a.Jeremiah 1:5 - The call of Jeremiah by God - "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,and before you were born I consecrated you;I appointed you a prophet to the nations." - God is saying that he knew, consecrated, appointed him to be a prophet. This was before he was formed in the womb. Election before birth.
b.Romans 9:5 - This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring. For this is what the promise said: "About this time next year I will return, and Sarah shall have a son." And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— she was told, "The older will serve the younger." As it is written, "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated." Some claim this to be an election of race of Israel, but if you see the text, the text talks about 2 individuals Jacob and Esau - though they were not yet born. We clearly see that there the Election was not of the race of Israel - but of the individual of Jacob before his birth. Not after doing good or bad, but before birth.
c.Revelation 13:8: and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain - Here we note that the names were written in the Lamb’s book of life before the foundation of the world. Lambs book of life - exists before any person is born, their names are already written in the book, before even world existed. How wonderful our God is to write our names in that book, not right before we were born, but before the foundation of the world. That means, our names, our lives were in the mind of God even before the time started.
3.How did he choose us? What criteria did God use to select or choose the elect? Is it our thoughts Or Is it our deeds that were commendable before God? World uses or elects depending upon the merits, World has competitions, exams, tests, and even selection criterion? God did not select us based upon any criterion. If that was so, it would never be called Election of Grace, it should be election of works or merits. The truth is illustrated by Romans 9:11 says - “though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls” - this verse clearly states that it not after they have done good or bad. If he chose us by works or merits, we all would have boasting before his throne, but scripture says in Ephesians 2:8 “ For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” - There would be no chance for any to boast. As we see in Romans chapter 1-3 - Paul’s proves that all mankind is guilty and are for Judgment of God. There is none righteous - No not one - Romans 3:10. Clearly Romans 3 makes it plain that it is not by any works, good works, but for his glory. So on the basis of merit, none would qualify, none would be able to stand before God. Salvation is act of God, act of his grace, mercy and his love. Not by any merit. Martin Lloyd-Jones says in his book “God ultimate purpose” - Page 92, that God in his foreknowledge saw what decisions you and I would make and then chose/elect people based on that information, Bible does not talk about that all. If God saw through the lens of time, and saw decisions of all his people would make He is no more influencing it, How could he become the author of our salvation, or How would be John 15:16 be coherent. Election or selection is a act of grace alone, Salvation belongs to the Lord - Jonah 2:9, Psalm 3:8. So it is no criteria is involved in Election - It is just a act of grace and Love of God in Election.
4.Why did he chose us? What does the scripture talk about why he chose us? Does he have any selfish motive in choosing us? Can we talk about of God like that? Love is prime factor in election, act of Love of God and not man. He chose us because he loved us. Explained by the following verses
Deuteronomy 7:7-8: It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the LORD set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but it is because the LORD loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the LORD has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. - There are 2 factors noted in the above passage, the first is the love and second the oath he swore to fathers (Word) are mentioned. Just because he loved and gave a promise to father, he chose Israel. All the reason for election is in him, not us.
Deuteronomy 10:14-15:Yet the LORD set his heart in love on your fathers and chose their offspring after them, you above all peoples, as you are this day. Again love is shown clearly as motive behind.
Romans 9:24 - In order to make know the riches of his grace and mercy - That God in Christ Jesus has chosen us.
Ephesians 1:4-5: In love he predestined us. Dr.D.A.Carson talks about the Love of God and says God Electing or selecting Love - to chose for himself a people as a sovereign act of love.
So Who chose us? God the Father has chosen us - When did he chose us? Before the foundation of the world was laid. How did he chose us? With no selection criteria - Why did he chose us? Because of his love - and also his love. We are chosen by his grace - Romans 11:5.
May all who are elect in Christ Jesus comprehend the breadth, length, height and depth of love of God in Christ Jesus and his eulogetos (blessings) en christo (In Christ), he bestowed over us and be filled with his fullness.
In Christ
Samson S Boodala
http://sboodala.blogspot.com
Friday, February 12, 2010
Ephesians and Old Testament
Ephesians and the Old Testament
One of my favorite studies is the New Testament’s use of the Old Testament. Apostle Paul an apostle to gentiles, while talking about his life before Christ, a Pharisee in regard to the law (Philippians 3:5), knowing the law well, writing to the Church at the Ephesus, he alludes and quotes few Old testament passages.
For examining each of the OT references, whether it be allusion or be it a direct quote or a fulfillment (Fulfillment is more of a Gospel of Matthew style Matt 2:15, ), I wish I could take a detailed approach for each of these references and see what the OT context, meaning, and application with the NT context, meaning and application for all of the above references and get to the better understanding of mind of Holy Spirit through Paul in writing to Ephesians. I really like the Dr. G.K.Beale and Dr.D.A.Carson method or 6 step approach ( Commentary of New Testatment use of Old Testament by G.K.Beale and Dr.D.A.Carson) but Frank Thielmann did not go into the details on Ephesians, that I would like to see the purpose of each of these allusions or citation from OT. The 6 questions approach followed was 1. NT Context, 2. OT context, 3. How is quote or citation handled in second temple Judaism or Early Judaism 4. Textual factors like Is NT quoting LXX or MT or Targum? 5. How NT is appealing to OT 6. What theological use does the NT put the OT to use?
For my study on Ephesians I would like to seek what the Holy Spirit God is trying to convey through Paul in the following ways, 1. OT citation or quote made to strengthen a point or argument or is it fulfillment, If the NT context is a fulfillment of OT prophecy or promise we have to figure out the theological understanding of the author and connections from OT to NT 2. OT reference in NT context, Is there a application derived? (Exodus - example: I Corinthians 10:1-6, 2 Peter 2:5-10 - Spiritual lessons from life of Lot and sodom) 3. NT usage variance of the same OT reference - Look at other NT passages that used the same OT reference - Does the context vary or is it same? 4. NT reference of OT quote does it signify the continuity of OT pattern in NT as a practice or is it fulfilled or done away with (obsolete).
Prayer: May the Heavenly Father grant us spiritual understanding, wisdom and revelation of the knowledge of Christ Jesus to comprehend his divine plan, and his eternal power through his riches of his grace in him. Amen.
In Christ
Samson S Boodala
http://sboodala.blogspot.com
One of my favorite studies is the New Testament’s use of the Old Testament. Apostle Paul an apostle to gentiles, while talking about his life before Christ, a Pharisee in regard to the law (Philippians 3:5), knowing the law well, writing to the Church at the Ephesus, he alludes and quotes few Old testament passages.
Ephesians | Old Testament reference | Allusion/Quote/Fulfillment |
that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,- Ephesians 1:20 | The Lord says to my Lord:“Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”-Psalm 110:1 | Allusion |
And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, - Ephesians 1:22 | You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;you have put all things under his feet - Psalm 8:6 | Allusion |
And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. -Ephesians 2:17 | Peace, peace, to the far and to the near,” says the Lord, “and I will heal him. Isaiah 57:19 | Allusion |
When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men. -Ephesians 4:8 | You ascended on high, leading a host of captives in Your train and receiving gifts among men, even among the rebellious,that the Lord God may dwell there. - Psalm 68:18 | Quote or Fulfillment? |
Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Ephesians 4:25 | These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace. Zechariah 8:16 | Allusion |
Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger - Ephesian 4:26 | Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Psalm 4:4 | Allusion |
Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. Ephesians 5:31 | Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. Genesis 2:24 | Quote |
“Honor your father and mother” - Ephesians 6:2,3 | Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12 - Deuteronomy 5:16 | Quote |
Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, Ephesians 6:14 | He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head; - Isaiah 59:17 | Allusion |
and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. Ephesians 6:15 | How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” - Isaiah 52:7 | Allusion |
and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,Ephesians 6:17 | He put on righteousness as A breastplate,and a helmet of salvation on his head; - Isaiah 59:17 | Allusion |
For examining each of the OT references, whether it be allusion or be it a direct quote or a fulfillment (Fulfillment is more of a Gospel of Matthew style Matt 2:15, ), I wish I could take a detailed approach for each of these references and see what the OT context, meaning, and application with the NT context, meaning and application for all of the above references and get to the better understanding of mind of Holy Spirit through Paul in writing to Ephesians. I really like the Dr. G.K.Beale and Dr.D.A.Carson method or 6 step approach ( Commentary of New Testatment use of Old Testament by G.K.Beale and Dr.D.A.Carson) but Frank Thielmann did not go into the details on Ephesians, that I would like to see the purpose of each of these allusions or citation from OT. The 6 questions approach followed was 1. NT Context, 2. OT context, 3. How is quote or citation handled in second temple Judaism or Early Judaism 4. Textual factors like Is NT quoting LXX or MT or Targum? 5. How NT is appealing to OT 6. What theological use does the NT put the OT to use?
For my study on Ephesians I would like to seek what the Holy Spirit God is trying to convey through Paul in the following ways, 1. OT citation or quote made to strengthen a point or argument or is it fulfillment, If the NT context is a fulfillment of OT prophecy or promise we have to figure out the theological understanding of the author and connections from OT to NT 2. OT reference in NT context, Is there a application derived? (Exodus - example: I Corinthians 10:1-6, 2 Peter 2:5-10 - Spiritual lessons from life of Lot and sodom) 3. NT usage variance of the same OT reference - Look at other NT passages that used the same OT reference - Does the context vary or is it same? 4. NT reference of OT quote does it signify the continuity of OT pattern in NT as a practice or is it fulfilled or done away with (obsolete).
Prayer: May the Heavenly Father grant us spiritual understanding, wisdom and revelation of the knowledge of Christ Jesus to comprehend his divine plan, and his eternal power through his riches of his grace in him. Amen.
In Christ
Samson S Boodala
http://sboodala.blogspot.com
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Letter to Ephesians....Is Paul the Author?
Paul’s Letter to Ephesian Church
Few Exegetical and Devotional thoughts on Ephesians
Some one said that Letter to Ephesians is called “Queen of Epistles”. It was Coleridge who said “the Divinest composition of man”. The Letter to Ephesians is the gem of Pauline letters, that sparkles with shining edges of Christology, Ecclesiology and Christian living in the light of those truths. Great truths for practical Christian living from Chapter 4 to 6, Christian life in several sphere like personal life and interaction with others in the community - church (4:17-5:20), Family Life (5:22-6:4), Work Life (6:5 - 9), Spiritual life (6:10-18).
Authorship of the Letter: Many who wrote on the Ephesians dispute that Paul is not the Author. Here are several reasons that they come up with
Paul writings are very personal, but just a allegation that it is impersonal does not prove that is not from Paul. But contrary he mentions several personal things about his attachment to Ephesian church without mentioning the names of members of the church as shown in the discussion below. Ephesians and Colossians have lot in common, that is true and lot of Pauline letters have lot in common, like his introduction, his prayers, his calling and defense of his apostleship. Language of this Epistle a little different from others does not prove that it is not Paul’s letter.
Here are some textual proofs and external proofs that it is Paul who wrote this letter,
In Christ
Samson S Boodala
Few Exegetical and Devotional thoughts on Ephesians
Some one said that Letter to Ephesians is called “Queen of Epistles”. It was Coleridge who said “the Divinest composition of man”. The Letter to Ephesians is the gem of Pauline letters, that sparkles with shining edges of Christology, Ecclesiology and Christian living in the light of those truths. Great truths for practical Christian living from Chapter 4 to 6, Christian life in several sphere like personal life and interaction with others in the community - church (4:17-5:20), Family Life (5:22-6:4), Work Life (6:5 - 9), Spiritual life (6:10-18).
Authorship of the Letter: Many who wrote on the Ephesians dispute that Paul is not the Author. Here are several reasons that they come up with
- Letter is Impersonal - Letter does not have the personal commendations as Corinthians letter ( I Corinthians 16) or Romans (Romans 16).
- Ephesians and Colossians have lot in common: Some say overall structure and even 26.5% percentage of the 2411 words of Ephesians are paralleled with letter to Colossians (Pillar New Testament on Ephesians - Peter O Brian). Some smart follower of Paul has written this, imitating him.
- Language: Some allege that the author has used words that does not match with rest of the Pauline corpus. Some things mentioned here in this letter like, Spiritual blessings in Christ the believers position in Christ (..its Christology). Ecclesiology in Ephesians is at its highest with phrases like Church is fullness of Christ, Christ corner stone of Church, through Church manifold wisdom of Christ is revealed and Mystery of Christ and church - Groom and the bride.
Paul writings are very personal, but just a allegation that it is impersonal does not prove that is not from Paul. But contrary he mentions several personal things about his attachment to Ephesian church without mentioning the names of members of the church as shown in the discussion below. Ephesians and Colossians have lot in common, that is true and lot of Pauline letters have lot in common, like his introduction, his prayers, his calling and defense of his apostleship. Language of this Epistle a little different from others does not prove that it is not Paul’s letter.
Here are some textual proofs and external proofs that it is Paul who wrote this letter,
- Introduction: Paul’s Introduction and his authority in ministry and his calling of God in Christ Jesus shows his authorship, Παῦλος ἀπόστολος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ διὰ θελήματος θεοῦ - Paul an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God. 1 Corinthians 1:1, Paul called by the will (θελήμα ) of God, θελήματος θεοῦ - 1 Corinthians 1:1, 2 Corinthians 1:1, talks about his authority based on the calling of the Lord. The Preaching, teaching and writing ministry and ministry is not done on his own accord, but because of the θελήμα of God . Very same introduction in Colossians 1:1 - will of God and also 2 Timothy 1:1. Galatians 1:1 - Paul mentions that apostle not through man, but through Jesus Christ. Paul authorship is confirmed because he mentions himself - 3:1, Paul continues the theme of will of God is also mentioned in Ephesians in 1:10, 5:17.
- Prisoner for Christ Jesus: He has personal touch saying that He is the prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles (3:1). A person copying another Paul’s letter like Colossians will not have the boldness to say that he is an ambassador (πρεσβεύω) in Chains (ἅλυσις) (6:20), and again he mentions that in 4:1. He is claiming that He an ambassador of Christ carrying the Gospel to other parts of the world, and is prisoner for that reason, remember his farewell to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20. He knew what he would face for the sake of the gospel, so mentioned that he would see them again and it was a sorrowful farewell. He calls himself a minister of the same Gospel (3:7)
- Prayers of Paul: Chapter 1 and Chapter 3 record two profound prayers for the Church of Ephesus, they reflect the devotion of the man of God and his reflect his prayers for other churches in letters like - Philippines 1: 3 and also in Colossians 1:3-14. Prayerful life of the author and similar prayers in other letters prove his authorship.
- Tychicus and Paul: Personal relationship that Paul shows to the Church of Ephesus by sending Tychicus a faithful minister and brother, and Tychicus visit of Paul in his prison some mentioned that, it is occasion of the Letter (6:21) .
- Extra Biblical evidence - Early Church Fathers - Irenaeus writing “Against Heresies” mentions the letter of Ephesians and Also does Bishop Polycarp.
In Christ
Samson S Boodala
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