One New Humanity: Mission in EphesiansSample

Bible Reading: Ephesians 1:1–23

Ephesians 1:3–14 is an outpouring of praise. Paul’s heart overflows so much that he doesn’t even pause for breath—these first 14 verses are just one sentence in Greek! God’s abundant grace is reflected in Paul’s elaborate phrases (vv. 6–8, 18–19). The comprehensiveness of God’s blessings and plan is reflected by the constant references to “every” or “all.”

What can we learn from this chapter about God’s mission? First, this is the mission of God: God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are all featured prominently in this passage. This word of the truth of salvation (v. 13) is about God’s choice before anything we do. We have responded to God’s offer of grace, and we long for people to respond to the Gospel as we pray for and witness to them. Yet, God is the one who chooses people “before the foundation of the world” (v. 4), when he predestined and purposed his people. The responsibility for salvation doesn’t rest with us. However, God has made known to us the mystery of his will and wants all people to know him and his blessings further, by the aid of the Holy Spirit.

Second, all the blessings of our salvation are in Christ. In fact, Jesus is referred to in almost every one of the first 14 verses, and in most of the verses in the rest of the chapter. We are told that these blessings are “in the heavenly places” (v. 3), which is where Christ is (v. 20). Does this mean heaven? That doesn’t seem likely, considering that the blessings are available now, and we are later told that the “spiritual forces of evil” dwell there (6:12). Rather, Paul is speaking of a spiritual or heavenly dimension that coexists with this earthly one, and we have access to it right now! We are empowered to share in God’s mission by being united with Christ.

Third, salvation is so much more than “going to heaven when I die.” We are forgiven and set free in this life through the work of the cross (v. 7). We have been adopted into God’s family (v. 5) and, through Jesus—God’s Son—given all the rights and privileges of natural-born children of God. Just like someone might say, “You look so much like your father,” we bear the family likeness. We have been chosen “to be holy and blameless before him” (v. 4)—today, not just in the life to come. We can invite nonbelievers to join God’s family, to know Jesus and his blessings, and to be like him right now.

This comprehensive plan of salvation will reach its fulfillment when all things in heaven and earth are literally “summed up” in Christ (v. 10). That is the goal of God’s mission. Since we have been adopted into the family of God, we have an inheritance in store, and our present possession of the Spirit is like putting a down payment on a car or a house (v. 14). God guarantees that one day we will fully possess all that he has for us. The Spirit living within us is God’s seal of ownership (v. 13). We truly belong to him as members of his church—his body—which he fills completely (v. 23).

Finally, God has made Christ head over every earthly and spiritual power (vv. 20–22). This is great news for those who live in fear of whatever power or addiction grips their life. Our mission is to live “to the praise of his glory” (vv. 6, 12, 14) and bring this message to others, so that more will live under his lordship!