Exploring the Riches of Grace and Unity in Ephesians

Intro

Good morning, dear family! I am so excited for this, the very first Lord’s Day gathering for Harbinger Gospel Church! Before I proceed with the homily that I prepared for this morning, I want to start us off with a reminder of one of our core tenets at Harbinger- that in our pursuit of loving Jesus and helping other people to love Jesus, we are deeply committed to radical humility which is a prerequisite for radical unity. Remember that the sacred scriptures are inspired by God the Holy Spirit, and because of that, they contain real, objective truth both for the original audience and for all-time. Its prudent to recognize that we see through a mirror dimly, and that these truths are often difficult to discern with 100%, unshakable, die-on-a-hill certainty. This is why, at Harbinger, we have defined essential doctrine as what’s outlined in the Apostle’s Creed, and we are eagerly open-handed with other doctrines. Let’s let things that we say are secondary and tertiary actually be that. My homilies are not meant to be expansive declarations of the objective hidden council of God, though I will announce ‘Thus sayeth the Lord’ where applicable, my teachings are designed to be adventurous explorations of the text, where we seek to find encouragement on our journeys in knowing Jesus, obeying him, and helping others to do the same. I submit to you that it will be crucial for us all to uphold this posture in our discussion time, in our evangelism, and generally in all of life.

Amen?

Well, this week we are beginning our discussion in what will end up being about a 15-week study on the book of Ephesians.

Before we dive into today's study, I want to provide some context for the letter of Ephesians. Given the extensive section we'll be covering, I'll keep this overview high-level.

"Ephesians," as we know it today, is a letter penned by the Apostle Paul while he was in prison. Although it is addressed to "the church in Ephesus," it’s important to understand that this title refers not to one large church, but to a collection of smaller house churches in the area. It is also likely that the letter was intended to be circulated among other churches, such as those in Laodicea, Colossae, and others.

While Ephesians covers various themes, I propose that one of its most central themes is unity. We see threads of unity woven throughout the letter in several subpoints:

- Unity in Christ: Believers are reconciled to God and to one another through Christ, creating one new humanity.

- Spiritual Unity: Emphasized through the oneness of the Spirit, faith, and God, and supported by Christ’s gifts for building up the church.

- Practical Unity: Expressed through mature living, ethical behavior, and harmonious relationships within households.

- Unity in Collective Resistance: Unity in facing spiritual challenges and supporting one another through prayer and solidarity.

Not only is unity one of Paul's main concerns in Ephesians, but it is also a central desire of God. The gospel message itself is a means through which God brings about unity in His creation. Remember that Jesus Himself prays for unity in John 17:20-23 (CSB):

"I pray not only for these, but also for those who believe in me through their word. May they all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us, so that the world may believe you sent me. I have given them the glory you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me, so that they may be made completely one, that the world may know you have sent me and have loved them as you have loved me."

This is why I am completely and utterly sold out for unity, and why unity is one of the main pillars on which Harbinger Gospel Church is built.

As we begin our study in Ephesians chapter 1 this morning, and then throughout our entire study of this letter, let us be vigilant for these calls to unity, and let's ask God to empower us to follow them wholeheartedly.

Verses 1 & 2

As we begin with this opening greeting, I want to share a general Bible reading principle: read slowly and re-read often. Be slow to discount the value of certain texts; it should be the exception and not the rule that you quickly gloss over something.

In just these two verses, consisting of about 30 words, we find nestled nuggets of core theology. Paul subtly implies the doctrine of election and makes profoundly wild and encouraging statements like "grace and peace to you from God..." Hearing that grace and peace are available to us from God should stop us in our tracks and send us to our knees in worship. It is simply too good to be true that a wretch like you and like me can freely experience peace with the God whom we once waged war against in the rebellion of our sin! But, indeed, it really is true.

Verses 4, 5, 6

I mentioned that verse 1 subtly hints at election. Well, In verses 4 and 5, Paul is anything but subtle in his talk about election, or also commonly known as predestination. There are many views of the doctrine of divine election that span centuries and 10s, if not even hundreds of traditions and denominations.

- Calvinism emphasizes God’s absolute sovereignty and unconditional election. And while it isn’t universally held, I would argue that Calvinism teaches double predestination, which is that God not only elects some for salvations, but also actively elects some for reprobation.

- Arminianism stresses conditional election based on both God’s foreknowledge and human free will.

- Lutheranism maintains a middle ground with single predestination and universal grace.

- Roman Catholicism incorporates both foreknowledge and cooperation with grace.

- Eastern Orthodoxy highlights a synergistic approach to salvation.

You can even see how there are almost indistinguishable views across traditions in some cases. And more than that, the doctrine has different variances on who is elected, with some teaching that election is at the individual level, where others teach that it the capital C Church who is elected, corporately. Now, I’ve been a Calvinist for around 8 years, but over the past year or so, as I’ve been studying the scriptures and really desiring for my God to speak louder than my system, I’m more and more convinced of another way. I’m considering a view that encompasses both individual and corporate aspects of election, and harmonizes the broader corporate focus seen in many scriptural passages while leaving room for instances of specific individual callings. I believe that God has chosen a people collectively, the Church, and that individuals are included in this group through faith in Christ. Additionally, God in His sovereignty elects specific individuals for particular roles, sometimes in ways that does actually involve direct and irresistible intervention.

In any case, I love what the CSB study bible says on election: “At its most basic level, election refers to God’s plan whereby he accomplishes his will. The meaning of election is best understood as God’s sovereign initiative in bringing persons to faith in Christ, resulting in a special covenant relationship with him.”

Regardless of where we land, the encouragement here, is that one way or another, God is actively pursuing and engaging a rebellious people with his grace, and love, and offers mercy and salvation; drink for the thirsty, food for the hungry, all without price.

Verses 7-10

Verses 7 and 8 encapsulates one of the primary pillars of the gospel—redemption and forgiveness through Christ’s blood, made possible by the immeasurable riches of God’s grace, dispensed with divine wisdom. This calls us to reflect deeply on the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice and the boundless grace of God. Our redemption and forgiveness are secure not because of our deeds but because of His blood, which was shed for us. Understanding the richness of His grace should inspire us to live lives marked by gratitude, humility, and a desire to extend this grace to others.

"In him we have redemption through his blood," speaks to the central act of Christ's sacrifice. Redemption, in the biblical sense, is akin to being liberated from bondage, much like a slave being bought back from captivity. Here, Paul emphasizes that this liberation comes through Jesus' blood—signifying his sacrificial death on the cross. This echoes the imagery from the Old Testament sacrificial system, where the shedding of blood was necessary for the atonement of sins (Leviticus 17:11).

Consider:

- Hebrews 9:22 (CSB): "According to the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness."

- 1 Peter 1:18-19 (CSB): "For you know that you were redeemed from your empty way of life inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of an unblemished and spotless lamb."

"The forgiveness of our trespasses," speaks to the clearing of our debt of sin. Trespasses indicate our violations against God's holy standards. Through Jesus' sacrificial death, God offers complete forgiveness of all our sins—past, present, and future. This act is a profound expression of God's mercy and grace.

Consider:

- Psalm 103:12 (CSB): "As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."

- Colossians 1:13-14 (CSB): "He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. In him we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

"According to the riches of his grace," highlights the abundance and generosity of God's grace. It is not merely sufficient; it is lavishly poured out.

Consider:

- Romans 5:20 (CSB): "But where sin multiplied, grace multiplied even more."

And finally, “as a plan for the right time -to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him.” – this is unity!

Verses 11 and 12

Our inheritance in Christ encompasses a truly vast array of spiritual blessings that enrich our lives and draw us closer to God. Central to this inheritance is eternal life, the promise of everlasting communion with our Creator; but it isn’t limited to our future hope of heaven. Alongside this is the righteousness imparted to us through Christ's sacrifice, ensuring we are made right with God. This leads to a profound relationship with God, where we have direct access to Him as His beloved children, empowered and guided by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us.

Our inheritance includes the joy of fellowship within the Christian community, forming the body of Christ and providing mutual encouragement and support. We experience the peace that surpasses all understanding, rooted in the presence of God, and the joy in the Lord, which becomes our strength. We are also granted complete forgiveness of sins, being cleansed and renewed, and adopted into God's family, enjoying the privileges and love of being His children.

The journey of sanctification is another blessing, as we are continually transformed to become more like Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit. We receive wisdom and revelation, gaining spiritual insight and understanding, and are equipped with diverse spiritual gifts to edify the church. Strength and power to endure and overcome are given to us through Christ, and God's promise to supply all our needs assures us of His provision.

These gifts given by the Holy Spirit, and are purposed to give glory and praise to the Father through our Lord Jesus. May we point to Him always, staying humble, remembering that He is the source of our strength, love and joy.

Amen.

Prayer: Father, we thank You for the riches of Your grace and the truth of Your Word. As we enter into our discussion, may Your Holy Spirit guide our conversations. Help us to listen with humility, speak with grace, and grow in unity. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.