Gospel Grace, Faith, & Love (Benediction) (Eph. 6:23–24)

Series: Ephesians: Building the ChurchText: Ephesians 6:23–24

By: Shaun Marksbury Date: September 17, 2023

Venue: Living Water Baptist ChurchOccasion: PM Service

Introduction

We’ve finally reached the end of our study in Ephesians. We’ve been studying this book together for just shy of a year, and we’ve seen some glorious truths along the way which we had to examine. In fact, we’re going to review some of those in just a few minutes.

These verses serve to close Paul’s letter in a way relatively familiar to the New Testament. In fact, ancient letters typically had similar benedictions, with an expressed desire for the wellbeing of the reader. These pagan letters sometimes invoked the blessing of the gods. Paul doesn’t break with this convention, but he obviously applies it to the true God.

The one oddity about his letter that we noted last week was his lack of personalized greetings to the Ephesians. This was probably because he intended it for general circulation, to be read by all the churches (even into the future, which now includes us). In the previous two verses, Paul said he sent Tychicus along to the Ephesians with a personal greeting.

So, with that, we might think that Paul is done, believing these remaining two verses to be mere pleasantries. Instead of throwing them away from our reading, however, let’s note how Paul uses them to circle back around to his primary themes in Ephesians. Consider them in terms of the breakdown of the letter — the first half focuses on theology, and the latter on the practical issues of the Christian life; so too, Paul calls us to remember first the realities and results of the gospel (v. 23) and our response to the gospel (v. 24).

Remember the Realities and Results of the Gospel (v. 23)

Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Both these verses call us back to the first two verses of Ephesians, where we read, “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” We see familiar terms there, and here, Paul highlights three that are part of our gospel vocabulary — peace, love, and faith. Let’s consider the first of these.

Peace — A Reality for Christians

As you think about peace in this context, you might consider the Jews’ use of the Hebrew word shalom as a greeting. It’s still a common but ancient term used to express desire for one’s general welfare. In fact, we see both Paul and Peter use it as a benediction in their writings (Rom. 15:33; Gal. 6:16; 2 Thes. 3:16; 1 Pet. 5:14). Even so, more is meant here than a simple wish. What might he mean, then?

To answer that question, first remember how Paul reminds us of our sin. For instance, in 2:1–3, we read, “And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.” Another reminder comes in 4:17–19, and such verses remind us of the condemnation and wrath we deserve from God.

Yet, because Paul is writing to Christians, he doesn’t start the letter on that note. Again, we read, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (1:2). It’s possible for sinners to have peace with God because of the atonement Jesus Christ provides for our sins. The next verse in that chapter two passage of Ephesians reads, “But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us” (2:4). Later in that chapter, we read, “For He Himself is our peace” (v. 14). These verses remind us about the cessation of the enmity, the ending of the conflict, the peace we sinners can have with a holy and gracious God!

We not only have peace with God, but also with other believers. Whereas the Jews and Gentiles were hostile toward one another, the God of peace “made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall” (2:14), “establishing peace” (v. 15). Because of these truths, Christian churches already have peace that they must seek to guard (4:3). We don’t need to create a climate of peace through man-made means but unify around the truth about what Christ already accomplished. Because “we are members of one another” in Christ (4:25), gospel peace results in the cessation of enmity between peoples.

Obviously, these are truths that we don’t always feel. Sometimes, you as a Christian might worry about the eternal condemnation of God that results in hell, and you might not sense the kind of unity with a brother or sister that you believe you should. Still, the peace of God is an objective reality, real regardless of how we feel, and we should trust it exists (even when doubts assail).

Of course, that doesn’t mean that we should be lacking a subjective sense of this peace, especially with God. So, where do we get this sense of peace? First, from knowing the source of this peace. Elsewhere, the apostle refers to the “God of peace” (Rom. 15:33; 16:20; Phil. 4:9; 1 Thes. 5:23), “the Lord of peace” (2 Th 3:16), and the “God of love and peace” (2 Cor. 13:11).

Sometimes, we’re tempted not to think of God in these terms. Paul opens Ephesians talking about the grace and peace of God, yet we sometimes remained fixated on His holiness and wrath. We don’t always remember that He’s a loving and forgiving Lord for those who trust in Him. He grants peace, for as we read here in the benediction, “Peace… from God” (6:23). Trust God’s Word when He says this about Himself.

So, remember these objective realities, and if this peace still feels elusive, seek Him in prayer concerning it. There are countless reasons why peace may be wanting. It may indicate sinful thinking, for instance, either due to lack of regeneration or simply getting our mind off God and His promises. Satan can also so distract, as can numerous internal issues. That’s why it’s so important to know and believe the objective realities for when the subjective, internal realities don’t seem to line up. Know that God is gracious to us even here!

Peace isn’t the only part of this verse, though, so we need to keep moving. Paul also says here, “Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Let’s consider these other realities.

Faith and Love are also Realities for Christians

God gives peace according to this verse. Yet, if we follow what the verse is saying, then we read here that God also gives “love with faith” to the brethren. Let’s consider these terms separately for a moment.

Love was also a major theme of Ephesians. For instance, Paul highlights their “love for all the saints” (1:15). He still implores them to practice a loving tolerance for one another (4:2), “speaking the truth in love” (v. 15) and building up one another in love (v. 16). He also calls husbands to love their wives (5:25, 28, 33).

Still, this is based on the love of God. For instance, when Paul commands husbands to love their wives, he compares that love to the love Christ shows for the church (vv. 25–27). Elsewhere, again, Paul speaks of the “God of love and peace” (2 Cor 13:11) and ends that letter with the desire that “the love of God… be with you all” (v. 14). The love we have for one another must come from the same Lord who pours it out on us.

Faith is another major theme of Ephesians. This is a subjective reality, referring to your individual trust in what Scripture says, and Paul also highlighted the Ephesians’ faith as a point of praise (1:15). He described it as the vehicle for our salvation, part of the gift of God (2:8). Again, in 3:12, we read that we have confident access to God in Christ “through faith.” In v. 17 of that chapter, we read that Christ dwells in our hearts “through faith.”

It is also an objective reality. Again, it is the gift of God, not something we generate within ourselves. In 4:5, we read that there is “one faith” uniting us, not many faiths or multiple points of trust that can lead us to God. Indeed, we should strive for “the unity of the faith” (v. 13), and a few weeks ago, we saw that this faith is a shield in the armor of God (6:16). This faith is a reality whether you believe it or not, but you must personally believe if you are to experience the salvation of God.

That brings us to another word here: “with.” Paul says “love with faith” meaning that the love comes “by the means of” faith. As we noted a few minutes ago, the love we’re to show one another, must first come from God, and the vehicle for that is our faith or belief in God. We must trust in the God of love if we are to know the love of God and show it to others. Let’s consider that in greater detail.

God Provides these Realities for Christians

We read peace and love come “from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,” which is why faith is so important. This brings us back around to the original premise, one we’ve revisited throughout. This fits the opening of the letter as well as the themes found throughout Ephesians.

One aspect that we haven’t spoken much about yet is how Jesus factors in this verse. Paul says these originate “from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Now, again, consider the opening in 1:2; “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” His statements elevate Jesus to the same level as God; the Son and the Father give both give to believers grace, peace, love, and even faith.

Moreover, note that Paul uses the title Lord, kurios. That’s the same term used by the Jews and early Christians to speak of the God of the Old Testament — Yahweh is kurios or Lord. Note also the next verse, where a special love for Jesus is indicated. Within this setting and context, there can be no doubt that Paul intends believers to see Jesus as more than a man, as someone equal with the Father.

It’s essential that we understand who is the source of these blessings. It matters if you believe Jesus simply to be a wise teacher or to be God incarnate. It matters if you don’t believe Jesus is God’s Son. Just as the wrong faith means that this blessings are not for you, seeking to come to God without Jesus or with the wrong Jesus invalidate these truths. The peace and love with faith originate in both God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ only.

Still, this isn’t a warning passage or a rebuke. Those who have been tracking with the apostle’s words throughout Ephesians already understand these realities. These words simply solidify the gospel realities. All that is left, then, is for one final exhortation.

Remember the Response to the Gospel (v. 24)

Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love.

Just as the structure of the Book of Ephesians divides evenly, so does this benediction. The first half of the book reminds us of the gospel, and the last half of practical matters. Whereas v. 23 reminds us of what God gives to us, this verse also speaks to our response.

With the last verse, we noted that love is only found in God. Here, we see that there is a kind of love that manifests in the lives of the children of God. In other words, those who God saves are transformed by His love, and so they can love differently. As such, they should love the Lord.

In the Ten Commandments, we see clear references to the need to love God and keep His Word (Exod. 20:6; Deut. 5:10). That’s not just an Old Testament reality, for Jesus said the chief commandment is to love God (Matt. 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27). We see this as a theme throughout the New Testament (Rom. 8:28; 1 Cor. 2:9, etc.), and sadly, as we’ve discover in Revelation, the Ephesians’ love did wane (Rev. 2:4).

The word “incorruptible” here speaks to its eternal nature, something that won’t corrupt or molder over time. In fact, in that great chapter on the resurrection, Paul uses this term to speak of the new bodies we’re going to receive (1 Cor. 15:42). Attaching this word to love, then we are reading about a love that is unable to die.

If God loves us enough to give us eternal life, then we should respond with an eternal love. Think about the parable of the four soils (Mark 4:1–20). The Word goes out as seed, and some falls on the hard road, taking no root. Some takes root, but the soil is rocky and persecution and discouragement causes it to wither. Other seeds take root among the thorns and gets choked. Yet, some falls into good soil, takes root, and bears fruit. Those who respond rightly to the gospel bear the fruit of an eternal plant, yielding the fruit of love for God in all seasons.

However, the truth is that the love Christians have ebbs and flows like the tides; it is stronger at points, and weaker at others, even within the same day and hour. The love we manage is hardly incorruptible. The only incorruptible love is in the blood of Christ (Rom. 7:3).

This kind of love cannot come from within; it must come from the Lord. Elsewhere, we read that Jesus Christ “abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (2 Tim. 1:10), the same word used here. If we are to have an incorruptible love (that is to say, an immortal love), it must be through the one who brings eternity to us through the gospel.

Consider again how this verse starts — “Grace be with all.” There’s an article here in the Greek, meaning that a literal rendering here would be “the grace,” indicating a particular grace is in view here. This kind of grace can and will be with all so loving Christ, for it is only by the grace of God that we can respond in such a way.

To sum this up, our response to the gospel is to have an incorruptible love for God. Whereas we can’t generate this kind of response in ourselves — loving God immortally — God’s grace is present to ensure it happens. Even though we stumble in our love for Him like the Ephesians, God will ensure that we never so stumble as to see our love turn to hatred or rejection. The evidence of gospel transformation is a life that perseveres to the glory of God.

Conclusion

The epistle ends as it begins. We receive grace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. As a result of our faith in Him, we can know and experience the peace and love of God in our lives. We can even live demonstrating it to others.

Consider this again within the context of prayer that Paul was just speaking about a few verses ago. I had a pastor who always asked, “What do you pray for when you pray?” Well, if you do not know the peace and love of God through Jesus Christ, will you ask Him to open your eyes to it? Jesus said in Matthew 7:7, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” In James 4:2, we read, “You do not have because you do not ask.” What do you pray for when you pray?