By Stan Cox, on February 25th, 2012
Typically, the apostle Paul begins his epistle with praise to God. He proclaims God to be the font of all spiritual blessings, and affirms these blessings are accomplished in the person of Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ life, death and resurrection the favor of God is complete.
What is interesting in this text is Paul’s reference to foreordination and predestination. This means that God’s scheme of redemption was a fait accompli before the universe was ever created.
When we talk about predestination, we must understand such predestination is not individual in nature. The affirmation that God chose us individually would negate the concept of free will and personal responsibility. It would make passages such as Mark 16:16 — (“He that believes and is baptized will be saved, he that believes not will be condemned”) — nonsensical.
God predestined that those who were among the sanctified —those who were among those adopted as sons — would be accepted. He gives us the choice as to whether we wish to be in that group or not. God is no respecter of persons.
By Stan Cox, on February 19th, 2011
Paul begins his epistle to the Ephesians with a few long sentences that are challenging to understand because of their complexity. One sentence covers verses 3-6. Another verses 7-10.
The first two verses of the epistle, however are simple.
Paul starts by identifying himself as an apostle of Christ, and affirms that his apostleship was from God rather than usurped. This was a common claim made by the apostle due to attacks levied by Judaizing teachers.
Paul next identifies his readers as saints. The term signifies a special relationship with Christ, as those who are separated to a life of godliness. Paul regarded the Christians in Ephesus to be faithful to God.
To such brethren, Paul pronounces a blessing. Grace and Peace. There is nothing difficult here, but the sentiment is sublime. God’s undeserved favor, extended ultimately through the death of His Son, is the means through which true Peace is obtained. This shows that the ultimate gifts can come only from God, and, that God indeed has granted such gifts to those who proclaim their fidelity to Him.
By Stan Cox, on October 1st, 2008
Ephesians 6:1-4
Here the Holy Spirit reveals instructions to children and fathers.
First, children are to obey. The simplicity of the reason would certainly appeal to a child, “for this is right.”
Additionally, Paul records the promise of Deut. 5:16, “that it may be well with you.” It is the wise child who heeds and obeys the counsel of his parents. God is pleased, and many pitfalls that other young people fall into are avoided.
Second, the admonition to fathers. “Do not provoke your children to wrath.” This does not mean to not make your children mad. Rather, the provocation would be because of wrong action on the part of the father. In contrast, the godly father is to “bring them up” or grow them into godly men and women through training and nurturing. God’s word supplies the father what is needed in this. We are to follow God’s instructions rather than our own philosophies on childrearing.
By Stan Cox, on April 12th, 2008
Ephesians 1:22-23
Our text is often used as a proof text showing that God does not approve of denominations and the creeds of men. The church is the body of Christ. There is only one body, and therefore the concept of denominationalism is without scriptural precedent. Jesus is head over one body, not many. Too, Christ is head, and is given all authority. As such, man made creeds are inappropriate, usurping a dominion reserved only for the Lord.
Though this application is valid, these final two verses, in context, serve as the end of a paragraph that has as its theme the exaltation of God and Christ (starting with verse 15). The power of God for our redemption works in Jesus Christ, a fact proven through our Lord’s resurrection. When God exalted His Son, He sat Him on the throne in Heaven, a place of dominion over the church and all things. In this God’s great scheme is fully accomplished.
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