EPHESIAN 1:19 THROUGH 2:10

The following is my understanding of Ephesians 1:19-2:10.  I have based this interpretation on the text of the Living New Translation, and have included within, my notes.

"I  (the Apostle Paul) also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe Him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead (see Phil. 3:10), and seated Him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.  Now He is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else, not only in this world but also in the world to come.  God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made Him head over all things for the benefit of the Church.  And the Church is His Body (we, the Church, are the Body of Christ - Rom. 7:4; 1 Cor. 10:16; 12:27; Eph. 4:12); it (the Church) is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with Himself.

Once you were dead (spiritually - we must be born again - Jn. 3:1-9) because of your disobedience and your many sins.  You used to live in sin (as a way of life), just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil, the commander of the powers in the unseen world.  He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.  All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature.  By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.  But God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead.  It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!  For He raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus (by His grace and our faith).  So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of His grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all He has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.

God saved you by His grace when you believed.  And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.  Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago."

 

Humility is the sign a person is trusting in the risen Lord!