By Ron Thomas
Ephesians 1:3-14 is one sentence in the Greek New Testament (as the New English Translation Bible study note tells us). Thus, trying to get a handle on understanding is not always easy. Through the years I have worked on trying to summarize Paul’s point. I think I have something that may be helpful (I hope anyway). Paul wrote his letter to the saints (Christians) in Ephesus. He reminded them of their privileged status because of God’s grace. Consequently, they are to remember this.
In summary, here is what they are to remember: Since all (1) spiritual blessings are in Christ, we are reminded by Paul that those who are in Christ (2) are chosen to be holy and blameless. This mean that each Christian is to make a concerted effort to live after the pattern of Christ (Gal. 2:20). This does not allow us to “go to church” and be a part of the congregation and do whatever it is we want to do that is not patterned after Christ. There are way too many people who are Christian in name but not in the way they choose to live life (cf. Luke 6:46). Because we are in Christ and are chosen to be holy and blameless, the Lord (3) adopted us as His children, which brings responsibilities with the family name we carry. If a family member soils (desecrates) your family name, how do you respond to this? With resignation? The Lord doesn’t. It was Peter who wrote, “...but like as he who called you is holy, be ye yourselves also holy in all manner of living; because it is written, Ye shall be holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15-16). Remember your name.
Ephesians 1:3-14 is one sentence in the Greek New Testament (as the New English Translation Bible study note tells us). Thus, trying to get a handle on understanding is not always easy. Through the years I have worked on trying to summarize Paul’s point. I think I have something that may be helpful (I hope anyway). Paul wrote his letter to the saints (Christians) in Ephesus. He reminded them of their privileged status because of God’s grace. Consequently, they are to remember this.
In summary, here is what they are to remember: Since all (1) spiritual blessings are in Christ, we are reminded by Paul that those who are in Christ (2) are chosen to be holy and blameless. This mean that each Christian is to make a concerted effort to live after the pattern of Christ (Gal. 2:20). This does not allow us to “go to church” and be a part of the congregation and do whatever it is we want to do that is not patterned after Christ. There are way too many people who are Christian in name but not in the way they choose to live life (cf. Luke 6:46). Because we are in Christ and are chosen to be holy and blameless, the Lord (3) adopted us as His children, which brings responsibilities with the family name we carry. If a family member soils (desecrates) your family name, how do you respond to this? With resignation? The Lord doesn’t. It was Peter who wrote, “...but like as he who called you is holy, be ye yourselves also holy in all manner of living; because it is written, Ye shall be holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15-16). Remember your name.
- Ron Thomas
preacher for the Sunrush Church of Christ, Chillicothe, OH. He may be
contacted through the congregation's website. http://sunrushchurchofchrist.com/
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