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 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.

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

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

• 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.

Yes, we conclude that the Letter of Ephesians is infact written by Apostle Paul in prison.

In Christ
Samson S Boodala