Ephesians 1:1-14. For His Glory
@jeremythomasphoto
Unsplash
Best Gift Ever
What’s the greatest imaginable birthday present? For me, nothing tops my eighth birthday back in 1997. My parents bought me a motorised Lego train set. Best. Thing. Ever. It was second-hand, and about twenty years old. Many of the pieces were broken, and some were missing. But I didn’t care. I felt like heaven had poured out the greatest gift imaginable. Consequently, I was very, very thankful to my parents. I can’t entirely remember how well I expressed my thankfulness, but I remember how excited I was. Based on that, they deserved a truckload of praise and glory.
But that was just Lego.
In Ephesians 1:1–14, Paul shows us that God’s greatest gift is salvation itself—planned by the Father, accomplished by the Son, and sealed by the Spirit. It’s a gift rooted in eternity and flowing into eternity. And it’s all for his glory. If anyone deserves praise, it’s God.
In this article, we’ll unpack Ephesians 1:1-14 and consider just how great God’s gift is, and how we should respond.
Introducing Ephesians
In verse 1, we meet “Paul, an Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God.” Paul was a Jewish Christian who had formerly been a member of the Pharisees, a prominent Jewish religious group during the first century, known for their strict obedience to the Law of Moses and oral traditions. One day, Paul was converted when the risen Jesus appeared to him on the road to Damascus, blinding him with light and calling him to stop persecuting Christians and sending him to share the good news of Jesus (Acts 9:1–19). As one “sent”, Paul therefore became an Apostle, which literally means “sent person” (the word “post” is connected to this word). Paul would then go on to share Jesus all around the known world (mainly places around the Mediterranean Sea), and would plant churches in many cities. One of these cities was Ephesus.
Paul had a deep relationship with the city of Ephesus. On one of his missionary journeys, he’d preached the gospel there and led many people to Christ. He started off preaching persuasively in the Jewish synagogue for three months (Acts 19:8). He faced a lot of opposition, and therefore had to move to a public lecture hall (Acts 19:9). He performed miracles and drove out demons, but also inadvertently caused a riot. This went on for two years and had the result that “all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord” (Acts 19:10).
If you look at the footnotes in your Bible, you might notice that there is a note saying, “Some early manuscripts do not have in Ephesus.” That footnote sometimes throws people off a bit. Basically, the phrase “in Ephesus” is missing from some of our earliest and most reliable manuscripts (these manuscripts include P46, א*, B*, 424c, 1739). Scholars reckon it was also likely unknown to early church fathers such as Origen, Basil and Tertullian. Most later manuscripts include the phrase (e.g., אᶜ, A, B³, D, G, K), leading people to think that the phrase “in Ephesus” was either added later, or was originally included, dropped, and then re-included.[1]
Given that the tone of the letter is much less personal than some of Paul’s other letters, some people think that it was meant to be a circular letter, not originally addressed solely to the Ephesians. It might have been intended to go to the church in Ephesus and then to all the other churches in Asia that the gospel spread to from Ephesus (those places mentioned in Acts 19:10).
In verse 2, we’re given a vintage Paul greeting: “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” This is more than just a polite and friendly filler phrase before we get to the substance. These are two themes that will undergird everything else he has to say in his letter. Grace is the source of everything Christians have. Christians are chosen by grace (1:4-6), redeemed by grace (1:7), and saved by grace (2:5,8). Grace is what empowers Paul—and all Christians—for ministry (3:7-8; 4:7). Peace is the result and goal of God’s gracious work. Jesus reconciles us to God and to one another, making peace through the cross (2:14–18). This peace shapes the church’s unity and mission, as believers live out and proclaim the “gospel of peace” (4:3; 6:15).
1. God the Father Planned Salvation Before Time Began (1:3–6)
In verses 3-6, we’re given an account of the Father’s work in our salvation. Here’s what we learn:
The Spiritual Blessings. In verse 3, we’re told of “spiritual blessings” that God has blessed us with. In the Bible, a blessing is a kind of gift or favour from God. Sometimes it’s material or relational. The spiritual blessings spoken of in Ephesians are … blessings that are spiritual. They include things like election (being chosen, 1:4), adoption (1:5), redemption (1:7), forgiveness (1:7), revelation (1:9), and the Holy Spirit himself (1:13).
The Location of the Blessings. We receive these blessings in “the heavenly realms” and “in Christ”. The heavenly realms are like the spiritual sphere of God’s rule, where Christians receive all of the good gifts God gives us. It’s the realm where we are presently seated with Jesus at his dining table (2:6). It’s also a spiritual battleground. In Ephesians 6:12, we learn that there are spiritual forces of evil in operation in this domain.
And we receive these blessings in the heavenly realms because we are “in Christ”. This “in Christ” language gets used a lot in Ephesians (1:3, 9, 12, 13, 2:6, 13, 3:6, 11, 21; 4:32). Basically, it means that we’re united with—and spiritually joined to—Jesus. It doesn’t mean we become divine, or that we gain attributes like omnipotence or omniscience. Rather, it means that we’re spiritually joined to Jesus in such a way that the spiritual blessings the Father pours out on Jesus—things like his righteousness, resurrection life, and inheritance—are now poured out on us.
The Timing of the Blessings. We receive these spiritual blessings in the present and future. But it was also planned before the creation of the universe. God chose us “in him” (in union with Jesus), and he chose us “before the creation of the world” (1:4). That is, “he predestined us” (1:5). God planned to pour out these spiritual blessings on us before he created the world. In eternity. Before time began. Outside of the created realm. Our salvation was central to God’s eternal plan for the universe.
The Penultimate Goal of the Blessings. What’s the goal of all of this? In verse 4, we’re told that God chose us ”to be holy and blameless in his sight”. That is, God chose believers to be set apart and distinct for him (holy) and free from guilt or accusation (blameless). He’s able to look at us as “holy” and “blameless” because of that spiritual union we now have with Christ.
Then, in verse 5, we’re told that the goal of his predestining us was “adoption to sonship”. He predestined to save us so that he could call us his children, and we call him our Father.
This is a big deal. But it’s not the ultimate goal. There’s a bigger goal, making this goal a secondary goal, or, what we might call a “penultimate” goal.
The Ultimate Goal of the Blessings. The ultimate goal of everything we read about in Ephesians 1 is God’s glory. Everything he does is “to the praise of his glorious grace” (verse 6). It’s so important that Paul repeats this twice more. Everything he does, he does “for the praise of his glory” (verse 12) and “to the praise of his glory” (verse 14). What does this mean? Basically, God’s ultimate purpose in saving and blessing his people is to display how great and awesome he is and that he might be recognised (or “praised”) for who he is. God creates his people for his glory (Isaiah 43:7). God’s people do everything they do for his glory (1 Corinthians 10:31). And God does literally everything that he does for his glory (Ephesians 1:6, 12, 14).
Summary. So, in verses 1:3-6, Paul is telling us that, for his glory, God chose to adopt his people before creation.
2. God the Son Redeemed His People Through His Blood (1:7–12)
Then, in verses 7-12, we shift to the work of the Son, Jesus.
Redemption Through His Blood. In verse 7, we discover that we have redemption through Jesus’ blood. In a slave market, a slave would be “redeemed” when they were bought back or set free when they were bought as someone “paid the price” for them. Jesus bought us back and set us free when he paid the price for us.
What was his currency? Blood. In the Old Testament, “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). In Leviticus 17:11, we read that “the life of a creature is in the blood”. It’s “the blood that makes atonement for one’s life”. Therefore, Jesus had to pay for our redemption through his blood to set us free.
Forgiveness of Sins. Consequently, we have the “forgiveness of sins” (verse 7). “Forgiveness” means to release or setting free. Our sins are the bad things we’ve said, thought and done as a consequence of rejecting God. God no longer holds our sins against us because the debt has been fully paid through Jesus’ death. We’re set free. This redemption and forgiveness is evidence of the abundance of God’s grace and favour toward us.
The Mystery of His Will. We’re then told about the mystery of God’s will (verse 9). In Ephesians, this “mystery” isn’t something spooky or unknowable. Rather, it’s just something hidden, a secret. Once it’s revealed, it’s no longer hidden or secret. So, what’s this secret Jesus reveals?
The Penultimate Goal for the Son. Verse 10 unpacks the secret that Jesus reveals. God’s eternal plan always involved bringing “unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.” Everything in the universe is to be brought under Jesus’ power and headship. That’s God’s eternal goal for creation. And God works out literally everything—every single event in the history of the universe, including our salvation—toward this goal (verse 11). It’s a big goal! But it’s not the ultimate goal.
The Ultimate Goal for the Son. God does all of this “in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory” (verse 12). In other words, God seeks to bring all things in creation under Christ’s rule so that his glory—his greatness and awesomeness—might be displayed and recognised.
Summary. So in verses 6-12, for God’s glory, Jesus redeemed his people through his blood.
3. God the Spirit Seals Our Future (1:13–14)
Then, in verses 13 and 14, we notice a shift. So far, Paul has been using us/we language (first-person plural). Then, in verse 13, there’s a shift to “you” language (second-person plural). What’s going on there?
Gentiles. It’s all about Gentiles. The “us/we” language refers to Jewish Christians, including Paul himself, those who were the first to put their hope in Christ (1:12). Ephesians makes it reasonably clear that “you” refers to Gentiles later in chapter 2. He speaks of “you who are Gentiles by birth” (2:11), those who were formerly “excluded from citizenship in Israel” and “foreigners to the covenants” (2:12).
When I first noticed this you/we distinction in Ephesians, I felt a bit confused. How do I apply Ephesians to myself? Do the blessings promised to Jewish believers apply to Gentiles too? In context, the answer is no—but in light of God’s inclusion of the Gentiles, the answer is also yes. Those blessings given to the Jews now flow to the Gentiles as well.
The Holy Spirit. Having discussed the work of the Father and Son, verses 13-14 bring us to the Holy Spirit. On the Day of Pentecost when Jesus climactically sent the Holy Spirit, Gentiles began to be “included in Christ when you heard the message of truth” (verse 13).
Seal. Having heard the gospel of salvation, the Holy Spirit was given to the Gentiles as a “seal”. What’s the deal with the seal? In the ancient world, a seal was like a mark of ownership, like a signet ring pressed into wax. When something is marked with a seal, it’s like saying, “This belongs to me, it’s authentic.” That’s what God says to us by giving us the Holy Spirit.
Guarantee of Inheritance. Moreover, God gives us the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of our inheritance. The inheritance is the future, final salvation of God’s people, including eternal resurrection life. The Holy Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will complete what he has started.
The Ultimate Goal of the Spirit’s Guarantee. And, again, the goal of this: God’s glory. The Spirit does all of this so that God’s greatness might be displayed and recognised.
Summary. So, in verses 13-14, God’s Spirit seals our future, and he does this for God’s glory.
God’s Control of the Universe and Our Response
This passage gives us a glimpse of the extent of God’s control.
Verse 4 shows us that our salvation was planned prior to the creation of time, indicating that God operates outside of time.
Verse 5 reveals that God works out his plan—his plan before time—”in accordance with his pleasure and will”. God can and does do whatever he wants. Fortunately, what he wants is good, and he works through all events for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28).
Verse 10 shows us that God works out all of his plans to establish Jesus as the head of his creation.
Verse 11 highlights that God works in “all things” to bring about his good purposes. There’s nothing that has ever happened, is happening or will ever happen that God is not ultimately in control of.
Given the extent of God’s control, it’d be silly for us to pretend that we are in control. Similarly, it would be silly for us to be anxious, as if he doesn’t have everything in control. Rather, we should humbly accept that God is in control, and trust him to do what is good!
Predestination as Comfort
It’s not uncommon for people to get freaked out by the idea of predestination. What if I’m not predestined to be saved? What if God didn’t choose me before the creation of the world?
Well, as an Anglican, I’m inclined to go to remind people of the Thirty-Nine Articles (that is, the Anglican doctrine statement). Article 17 says that
the godly consideration of Predestination, and our Election in Christ, is full of sweet, pleasant, and unspeakable comfort to godly persons…
Predestination isn’t meant to freak us out. It’s meant to comfort us. It’s sweet and pleasant. If salvation was up to us, we’d always be worrying about whether our faith was good enough, strong enough, robust enough. But, the doctrine of predestination reminds us that it’s not the strength of our faith that matters but the object of our faith.
And the object of our faith is a God who is sovereign and always follows through on his promises. He has it all under control.
And the object of our faith is God’s Son who accomplished our redemption, and isn’t about to offer us a refund after going through with the cross to pay for our sins.
And the object of our faith is God’s Spirit, and he is our seal and guarantee, ensuring our final redemption.
Our Response: Praise His Glory
Verse 3 starts with a call to “praise” the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Father does all that he does “to the praise of his glorious grace.” The Son does all that he does that we might be “for the praise of his glory.” The Spirit does all that he does “for the praise of his glory”.
So, instead of worrying about whether we’re predestined or not, we should do what God created us for: live to the praise of his glory, recognising who he is and giving him the praise he deserves.
God has given us the best gift imaginable: salvation planned, accomplished, and guaranteed. This gift reorients everything about us, our identity, our future, our purpose. So let’s do what we were created to do and live to the praise of his glory.
Discussion Questions
Pray and Get Going
1. What’s the greatest imaginable birthday present? How would you respond to the person who gave it to you?
Read Ephesians 1:1–14
2. What do we learn about the book of Ephesians from verses 1 and 2?
3. What do we learn about the work of the Father (verses 3-6), Son (verses 7-12) and Spirit (verses 13-14)?
4. Why do you think Paul switches from “us/we” language in verses 3-12 to “you” in verses 13-14?
5. What do we learn about God’s overall control of the universe, especially in verses 4, 5, 10 and 11?
6. What motivates everything God does, especially in verses 6, 12 and 14? How should this shape our motivations in life?
7. How might the truths in these verses be a comfort to someone struggling with their faith?
8. According to verse 3, how should we respond to what we read here?
Pray and Give Thanks
Other Posts in this Series
Ephesians 1:1-14 (marticles.net/eph1a)
Ephesians 1:15-23 (marticles.net/eph1b)
Ephesians 2:1-10 (marticles.net/eph2a)
Ephesians 2:11-22 (marticles.net/eph2b)
Ephesians 3 (marticles.net/eph3)
Ephesians 4:1-16 (marticles.net/eph4a)
Ephesians 4:17-5:20 (marticles.net/eph4b)
Ephesians 5:22-6:9 (marticles.net/eph5b)
Ephesians 6:10-24 (marticles.net/eph6)
If a link doesn’t work, either the article hasn’t been written, or I’m bad at coding.
