Ephesians One

PAUL, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: Ephesians 1:1

Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:2

 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: Ephesians 1:3

 

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world,

Chosen for what?

that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Ephesians 1:4

We cannot be holy without being "sprinkled from an evil conscience" at the time we are baptized in water. From most ancient times, the abyss of waters has stood for the realm of death and evil. By rising out of the waters in the hands of a human we have proven to the world that the evil forces do not have power over the Spirit of Christ:

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38

Notice that Paul does not say that God predestinated SOME to be saved and others to be lost. His pre-purpose was that we should be adopted as children to Jesus Christ. In adoption, one was not accepted as a member of the family until they had been washed, given new clothing and given a new name. Paul tells us that the METHOD had been predestinated. As well, it was illustrated by several Old Testament types.

Having predestinated us

unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself,

 

according to the good pleasure of his will, Ephesians 1:5

 

To the praise of the glory of his grace,

 

wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. Ephesians 1:6

 

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,

 

according to the riches of his grace; Ephesians 1:7

There simply is no redemption or forgiveness except in accepting the blood of Christ. Although His blood was shed Jesus was alive proving His Deity. Baptism was God's predestinated method of accepting children to himself just as parents accept an adopted child.

Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Ephesians 1:8

Having made known unto us the mystery of his will,

 

according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: Ephesians 1:9

Here is why God's predestinated plan to gather ALL people into one family demands that one be IN Christ or baptized into Christ. Yes, the time was predestinated but not individuals.

That in the dispensation of the fulness of times

he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: Ephesians 1:10

God giving both Jew and Gentile an inheritance was what was predestinated: not that individuals are EVER picked to go to heaven or hell: never.

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated

according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: Ephesians 1:11

 

That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. Ephesians 1:12

 

In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation:

 

in whom also, after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Ephesians 1:13

Believeth or a believer always identifies a baptized believer.

Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. 2 Cor 5:5

 

Therefore we are alway confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 2 Cor 5:6

 

(For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 2 Cor 5:7

When Jesus said:

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (including Gentiles-all whom God created) Mark 16:15

 

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. Mark 16:16

 

What was the PROMISE OF THE SPIRIT to Abraham?

 

But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. Gal 3:22

Paul is speaking of PERSONAL faith and he DID NOT speak of predestination being the CAUSE but Faith which has an OBJECT in which it trusts.

But before faith (a system of faith) came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Gal 3:23

 

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. Gal 3:24

 

But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. Gal 3:25

 

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Gal 3:26

 

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Gal 3:27

Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:14

Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Ephesians 1:15

 

Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; Ephesians 1:16

 

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: Ephesians 1:17

The "seven spirits" (Isa 11:1-4) which would rest upon the BRANCH would all relate to the gifts of supernatural knowledge. A holy spirit is required to be able to discern the Word of God:

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38

 

And corresponding to that, baptism now saves you-- not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience-- through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 1 Pet 3:21

 

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Heb.10:22

The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, Ephesians 1:18

Photizo (g5461) fo-tid'-zo; from 5457; to shed rays, i.e. to shine or (trans.) to brighten up (lit. or fig.): - enlighten, illuminate, (bring to, give) light, make to see.

 

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; Col 1:9

 

AND there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: Isa 11:1

 

And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; Isa 11:2

 

And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: Isa 11:3

 

But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. Isa 11:4

 

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Col 1:10

 

Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Col 1:11

 

Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Col 1:12

 

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: Col 1:13

 

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. Ac.2:41

 

praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:47

 

In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Col 1:14

 

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38 A holy spirit

 

Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: Col 1:15

 

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: Col 1:16

 

And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. Col 1:17

 

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. Col 1:18

 

For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; Col 1:19

It is important that those who have understood the old and new washings or baptism and begin to "eat meat." The gift of A holy spirit happens only if you RECKON your old person dead:

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and

 

were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, Heb.6:4

 

And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, Heb 6:5

 

If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. Heb 6:6

And Peter wrote:

We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 2Pe.1:19

 

Phosphoros (g5459) foce-for'-os; from 5457 and 5342; light- bearing ("phosphorus"), i.e. (spec.) the morning-star (fig.): - day star.

 

Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 1 Pe 1:20

Peter outlaws further expounding because this would put the Son of God to an open shame by calling Him incompetent. Words like "musica" is directly related to exegetice and Hermeno: these are operative words of the Pagan religions ONLY. The practicioners: Pharisees, Scribes and Sectarians or "rhetoricians, sOPHISts (serpents), singers and musicians. They were all identified as parasites.

And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe,

according to the working of his mighty power, Ephesians 1:19

Paul shows that we must have the faith of the operation of God. That is, belief in the resurrection. That power is applied in baptism.

Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Ephesians 1:20

After Christ ascended to take His own blood into the Heavenly Sanctuary or Tabernacle. He returned at pentecost as Spirit. (Jn 14:16-18) When the Power was given to the apostles the command was to make DISCIPLES by baptizing and ongoing teaching of the Word of Christ. Only baptized DISCIPLES were identified as Christians.

Baptism demonstrated the faith that being baptized would request salvation or a good conscience (1 Pet 3:21). Refusing baptism "rejected the counsel of God" in the baptism of John and of Jesus by the hands of His disciples. Baptism is the only Christ-given way you can show faith in the resurrection of Christ.

Buried with him in baptism,

 

wherein also ye are risen with him

 

through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. Col.2:12

 

To minimize baptism is to deny a fundamental GOSPEL PRINCIPLE.

 

Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 1Co.15:12

 

But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 1Co.15:13

 

And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 1Co.15:14

 

And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 1Co.15:17

 

Romans 6 shows that baptism expresses FAITH that Christ was raised:

 

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Rom 6:3

Faith does not baptize one or show faith that Jesus was resurrected. Grace does not work when you refuse to follow one of the last direct commands of Jesus Christ.

To say that we are not literally baptized (meaning water unless otherwise expressed) means that we do not literally WALK IN NEWNESS OF LIFE.

 

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Rom 6:4

 

Paul never deviates from this fact:

 

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Rom 3:26

 

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Rom 3:27

Christ is set:

Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: Ephesians 1:21

And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Ephesians 1:22

 

Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. Ephesians 1:23

Diciples are made by baptizing and ongoing teaching. Jesus said "My Words are Spirit and Life" (John 6:63). Disciples were identified as Christians because they were the followers and learners of Christ the Spirit through His Word:

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. Ac.2:41

 

praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:47

The Commission to MAKE DISCIPLES was fulfilled by baptizing believers in Jesus Christ AND believers in His right to define how He would accept disciples for learning and enlightening.

Only those who believed the gospel AND were baptized were defined as those who BELIEVETH. Only then did the LORD add to the church those who were being saved at baptism.

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