Faith In the Finished Work

Ephesians 1:15-23 -15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints (the people of God),

16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.

17 [For I always pray to] the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation [of insight into mysteries and secrets] in the [deep and intimate] knowledge of Him,

18 By having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones),

19 And [so that you can know and understand] what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength,

20 Which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His [own] right hand in the heavenly [places],

21 Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named [above every title that can be conferred], not only in this age and in this world, but also in the age and the world which are to come.

22 And He has put all things under His feet and has appointed Him the universal and supreme Head of the church [a headship exercised throughout the church],

23 Which is His body, the fullness of Him Who fills all in all [for in that body lives the full measure of Him Who makes everything complete, and Who fills everything everywhere with Himself].

Holman Concise Bible Commentary (God’s Power (1:15–23))

Verses 1:15-23 Paul prays that all believers might progress toward maturity and fully appreciate the greatness and power of their salvation, a power which he assumes will be demonstrated both in and through Spirit-empowered believers.

Paul’s prayer began with thanksgiving for their faith and love. In 1:17–23 he made four requests for them: (1) to know and experience God; (2) to know the hope of His calling; (3) to know of His glorious inheritance; and (4) to know of His great power. Paul expounded on this great power available to believers exhibited in Christ’s resurrection, ascension, rule, and headship.

(1) to know and experience God

(Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation). Paul desires that the Ephesians receive the "spirit of wisdom and revelation." This is not mere intellectual knowledge but a deep, spiritual understanding that comes from the Holy Spirit. It involves insight into the mysteries and truths of God that goes beyond human comprehension.

Wisdom and revelation are not to be interpreted as mystical, “Wisdom” concerns practical, workable principles, “revelation” refers to clear perception and applicable understanding. The Holy Spirit is the divine and supernatural source of both.

Enlightened Understanding. He prays that the eyes of their understanding be enlightened. This emphasizes a spiritual illumination, a clarity of perception concerning God's will, purpose, and the truths of the Gospel. It's not just about knowing facts but having a profound comprehension that transforms their perspective and aligns it with God's perspective.

Eyes of your understanding being enlightened literally means that your heart may receive the brightness of hope resulting when the wealth of God’s investment in you is understood.

(2) to know the hope of His calling

Paul directs their focus toward the hope of their calling. This encompasses the expectation and anticipation of the glorious future that believers have in Christ. It's a hope anchored in the promises of God and the assurance of eternal life.

(3) to know of His glorious inheritance

He also highlights "the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints." This inheritance is not only what believers receive but also what God receives in them. The saints themselves are God's inheritance, and there's a glorious richness in this relationship.

(4) to know of His great power.

(Exceeding Greatness of His Powers). Perhaps the pinnacle of Paul's emphasis in this prayer is on "the exceeding greatness of His power toward those who believe." This power is not ordinary; it's extraordinary, surpassing all measures. It is the same power that raised Christ from the dead.

Paul wants the Ephesians to grasp the enormity of this power. It's not a distant, theoretical force; it's a dynamic, transformative power available to believers. This power is active "toward us who believe," indicating a continuous and personal engagement with the believer's life.

Understanding this power involves recognizing its source: "according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead." The resurrection of Christ becomes the ultimate demonstration of God's power, and Paul wants the Ephesians to realize that this same power is at work in their lives.

Verse 19 - According to occurs repeatedly and means “in the heavenly he same measure as” or “to the exact degree.”

Verse 20 - Heavenly places does not refer to heaven in the sense of its being the destined home of the redeemed. Rather, the Greek word here refers to the invisible realm that surrounds our present daily situation, the arena or sphere of spiritual action and activity. Christ’s authority, which emcompasses every age and exceeds every known power, is here and now. (see also verses 3; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12).

Verse 21 - Principality and power and might and dominion are terms consistently used for ruling authorities in both the visible and the invisible realms (see 3:10). The New Testament reveals an invisible hierarchy of evil powers who deceive and manipulate human behavior, thereby advancing satanic strategies. Christ Himself and all who are in Christ are shown to be placed in authority above these powers, an authority that only spiritual warfare can assert, demonstrate, and sustain.

Satan: The Archangel, the highest ranking demonic being. Satan is the god of this world, the supreme ruler of the kingdom of darkness.

Principalities: The chief rulers or highest rank in Satan’s kingdom. To engage in effective warfare you must bind this strongman. (See Luke 11:21-22)

Powers: Authorities who derive their power from and execute the will of the chief rulers (principalities). They are assigned to world rulers and governments. (See Judges 5:24-27); The revenge of Sisera.

World-rulers: Rulers of darkness and world systems. They are assigned to cities, states, and nations. See (Revelation 18:1-3 ESV; Jude 6)

Spiritual Wickedness: Spirits of Satan in the heavenlies that create wicked thoughts and actions. (See Colossians 1:16-21)

Verse 22, 23 - His body: The primary thrust of this letter is to show the church as the present, physical presence of Christ. The church is to be filled with Him by the Holy Spirit, and assigned by the Lord Jesus to represent to society to minister His life, love, and power.

In summary, Ephesians 1:15-23 reveals Paul's earnest prayer for the Ephesians to receive a deep, spiritual understanding, anchored in wisdom and revelation. This understanding encompasses the hope of their calling, the richness of God's inheritance in them, and the extraordinary power available to believers. It's a call to embrace a transformative knowledge that goes beyond intellectual ascent, leading to a profound experience of God's power in their lives.

Ephesians 2:5-6 - 5 Even when we were dead (slain) by [our own] shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ; [He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him, for] it is by grace (His favor and mercy which you did not deserve) that you are saved ([a]delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation).

6 And He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together [giving us [b]joint seating with Him] in the heavenly sphere [by virtue of our being] in Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One).

Holman Concise Bible Commentary Redeemed by Grace (2:1–10)

Paul described the human condition in 2:1–3. He explained how people were “dead in transgressions and sins,” cut off from the life of God and controlled by their own selfish desires. Beyond this they were ensnared by the power of Satan. As a result men and women apart from Christ are without life, without freedom, and without hope.

By His grace He has granted new life to believers. The basis for the new life is God’s great love and mercy. Believers have been united with Christ in His resurrected life. Formerly people apart from Christ were dead, enslaved, and objects of wrath. In Christ believers are now alive, enthroned, and objects of grace.

(1) Dead in transgression and sins.

Paul begins by highlighting the dire condition of humanity before encountering God's grace. The phrase "dead in our trespasses" paints a vivid picture of spiritual death, emphasizing our separation from God due to sin. It signifies a state of hopelessness and inability to bridge the gap between humanity and God on our own.

(2) Made us alive together with Christ - by grace you have been saved.

The pivotal turning point is introduced with the transformative power of God's grace. Despite our spiritual deadness, God, in His mercy and love, takes the initiative to make us alive. This revival is not a result of our efforts but is a divine intervention—an act of grace. Salvation, then, is a gift freely given by God, and our role is to receive it through faith.

(3) And raised us up with Him.

Building on the imagery of new life, Paul emphasizes that believers are not merely brought to life but are also raised up with Christ. This mirrors the resurrection of Christ, signifying a shared experience. In Christ, believers experience a spiritual resurrection, moving from a state of spiritual death to life.

(4) And seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

The language becomes even more profound as Paul asserts that believers are not only made alive and raised up but also seated with Christ in heavenly places. This imagery of being seated carries significant implications. In the cultural context of the time, sitting signified authority and rest after completing a task. So, being seated with Christ implies a position of authority and a participation in the finished work of Christ.

This seated position also suggests a sense of security and permanence. It's not a fleeting or conditional state; it's a secure and established position in Christ.

In essence, Ephesians 2:5-6 paints a comprehensive picture of salvation – from the depths of spiritual death to the heights of being seated with Christ in heavenly places. It underscores the grace of God as the catalyst for this transformation, highlighting that salvation is not earned but freely given. This passage encourages believers to understand their elevated position in Christ, embracing the reality of being alive, raised up, and seated with Him through faith in His finished work on the cross.

Hebrew 1:1-3 - 1 In many separate revelations [[a]each of which set forth a portion of the Truth] and in different ways God spoke of old to [our] forefathers in and by the prophets,

2 [But] in [b]the last of these days He has spoken to us in [the person of a] Son, Whom He appointed Heir and lawful Owner of all things, also by and through Whom He created the worlds and the reaches of space and the ages of time [He made, produced, built, operated, and arranged them in order].

3 He is the sole expression of the glory of God [the Light-being, the [c]out-raying or radiance of the divine], and He is the perfect imprint and very image of [God’s] nature, upholding and maintaining and guiding and propelling the universe by His mighty word of power. When He had by offering Himself accomplished our cleansing of sins and riddance of guilt, He sat down at the right hand of the divine Majesty on high,

Hebrews 1:1-3 (ESV) - Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

Holman Concise Bible Commentary God Has Spoken (1:1–3)

The author emphasized that God had spoken in the past through the prophets at many different times and in varied ways. He stated that the revelation God had given through Jesus was superior to that through the prophets. This was true because Jesus was the Heir, Creator, divine Reflection, Image of God, and Sustainer of the world. Jesus had cleansed our sins and then taken His seat at God’s right hand as a token of His finished work.

(1) Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets

The author begins by acknowledging the historical context of God's communication with humanity. Throughout the Old Testament, God communicated with His people through various prophets. This phrase emphasizes the diversity and frequency of God's communication in different manners and through different messengers.

(2) But in these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son.

A significant shift is introduced here, marking the contrast between the past and the present. The author asserts that in these "last days," a new and superior mode of communication has been established. God now speaks to us directly through His Son, Jesus Christ. This introduces a profound era where the ultimate revelation of God is manifested in the person of Jesus.

(3) Whom He appointed the heir of all things.

The Son, identified as the heir of all things, signifies His supreme authority and ownership over the entire created order. This designation emphasizes not only Christ's role as the communicator of God's message but also His inherent authority and divine status.

(4) Through Whom also He created the world.

This phrase establishes the Son's involvement in the act of creation. It affirms the pre-existence and active role of Christ in bringing the world into existence. The Son is not just a messenger; He is the Creator, linking Him intimately with the entire cosmos.

(5) He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature.

This is a profound declaration of the Son's nature. The use of "radiance" suggests that Christ is the shining forth, the visible expression of God's glory. Furthermore, being the "exact imprint" of God's nature indicates a perfect representation, emphasizing the Son's divine nature and unity with the Father.

(6) And He upholds the universe by the Word of His Power.

This statement underscores the sustaining power of the Son. The universe is not only created through Him but is continually upheld by His powerful word. This emphasizes Christ's ongoing role in maintaining the order and existence of the cosmos.

(7) After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

The passage concludes by highlighting a pivotal act – the Son's sacrifice for the purification of sins. Having accomplished this redemptive work, Christ takes His seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high. This sitting down signifies the completion of the work of salvation and establishes His exalted position of authority.

In summary, Hebrews 1:1-3 provides a grand introduction to the central theme of the book – the supremacy and unique role of Christ in God's plan of redemption. It underscores the shift from the past modes of divine communication to the ultimate revelation in Jesus, portraying Him as the Creator, the radiance of God's glory, the exact imprint of His nature, and the upholder of the universe. The passage climaxes with the acknowledgment of Christ's redemptive work and His exaltation to the right hand of God.

Consider this: when we got saved, our condition changed. We received a spiritual DNA transformation, moving from sinners to sons and daughters of God. However, it didn't end there. Our position also shifted. We now function from heaven to earth, and our faith is meant to operate from this heavenly position.

Recall the story of Adam in Genesis – created in the image of God, but through sin, he experienced spiritual death, losing God's image, authority, and position. Fast forward to Jesus, the last Adam, born of the Spirit and wrapped in flesh, coming to restore what the first Adam failed to complete.

Jesus' resurrection is distinctive because it is a spiritual operation, addressing not just physical death but spiritual death. He is the firstborn from the dead, resurrected spiritually, restoring us to God's image, likeness, and dominion. This Ascension Dimension is a realm of victory, majesty, authority, and finality – a realm of completed works. So, as we explore the faith in the finished work, let us anticipate explosive revelations that will propel us into the Ascension Dimension. Are you ready to go deeper? Let's declare together: "Faith in the finished work!"

Many of us was told all of our life that the gospel was the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Even though, that is the gospel, it is not the complete gospel. There is still yet one more dimension that we have not understood. The complete gospel is the death, burial, resurrection, the ascension, and sitting at the right hand of the Majesty on High. What this means is that my salvation is not complete until I sat down at the right hand of the Father. There is a dimension that the Body of Christ have not moved into, the finished work, which means it wasn’t over at the resurrection. The work was finished when He sat down at the right hand of the Father. It is not over until I reach a dimension called the Ascension Dimension, some call it the Fourth Dimension.

Therefore, we need to unpack this understanding because our faith have got to arrive at this dimension. It is a dimension of four things: (1) a dimension of victory; (2) a dimension of majesty; (3) a dimension of authority; and (4) a dimension of finality or finished or complete work.

As we absorb these passages, we must grasp the essence of what Paul is conveying. He is striving to bring us into a profound understanding, a dimension he calls the "Ascension Dimension." This dimension is marked by four key elements – Victory, Majesty, Authority, and Finality.

Victory

Majesty

Authority

Finality

Our faith, Paul asserts, must operate from the finished work of Christ. The Ascension Dimension reveals that our salvation wasn't complete at the resurrection; it culminated when Christ sat down at the right hand of the Father. It's about moving beyond salvation to these dimensions of victory, majesty, authority, and the completeness of His finished work.

Now, why is this crucial? Because our faith should work from a different position. We are no longer earthly beings aspiring for heaven; we are heavenly beings positioned on earth. This shift in position occurred the moment we accepted Christ. We were not just saved; our position changed.

Victory - Crucifixion and Spiritual Death: Unveiling the Depths of Sacrifice

Jesus’ Submission to Spiritual Death.

The crucifixion stands as the pinnacle of Jesus' earthly mission — a profound act of sacrifice that goes beyond physical suffering. Crucial to understanding this event is recognizing Jesus' submission to spiritual death. While the physical torment on the cross is evident, the spiritual aspect is equally significant.

In submitting to spiritual death, Jesus bore the weight of humanity's sin and separation from God. The separation experienced during this moment was unprecedented — the sinless Son of God willingly becoming sin for the sake of humanity. This spiritual death was not a defeat but a strategic move in the cosmic battle against sin and its consequences.

The Purpose of Jesus' Descent into Hell:

The mysterious descent of Jesus into hell holds key significance in unraveling the redemptive plan. It was not a defeat or a passive journey but a purposeful descent to address the very root of human separation from God. The purpose of this descent was to confront and defeat spiritual death at its core.

In hell, Jesus engaged in a triumph that echoed through the ages. The imprisonment of souls, the chains of sin, and the dominion of darkness were all challenged as Jesus, in his resurrected spirit, declared victory over the forces that held humanity captive. This purposeful descent shattered the chains of spiritual death and set the stage for the ultimate victory.

The Victory over Spiritual Death through Resurrection:

The resurrection stands as the triumphant conclusion to the crucifixion and descent into hell. It is the declaration that spiritual death has been conquered, and life has triumphed over the grave. Jesus' resurrection is not merely a return to life; it is the inauguration of a new reality where believers are no longer slaves to sin and death.

Through resurrection, Jesus offers a path for humanity to be reconciled with God. The victory over spiritual death becomes a powerful source of hope for believers, assuring them that through faith in Christ, they too can experience spiritual resurrection and eternal life. The resurrection is the key that unlocks the door to a new, redeemed existence.