A Holy Temple in the Lord Ephesians 2:21

Because Jesus died on the cross, Paul the apostle told the Ephesian church members the “Gentiles” were “no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God”. They were “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets” of which “Jesus Christ” is “the chief cornerstone”. In chapter two and verse twenty-one of his letter, Paul described the “building” of God as “fitly framed together” “unto an holy temple in the Lord” where we read:

In whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto an holy temple in the Lord:

The verse begins, “In whom all the building fitly framed together ...” Paul began with the words, “In whom” which refers to “Jesus” “all the building” which means “edifice or thing built” “fitly framed together” which is the Greek word “synarmologeō” and means “joined closely together”. The idea is the cohesiveness of Jesus dying on the cross brought both Jews and Gentiles together like a synergetic building consisting of many parts.

The verse goes on to say, “...grows unto an holy temple in the Lord:” Paul continued, “grows unto” or “augments, increases and becomes greater toward” “an holy temple” which means “a sacred, pure, morally blameless spiritual house consisting of the saints of all ages joined together by and in Christ” “in the Lord” which refers to “he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master and the title given to God and the Messiah”. This “building” of God continually “increases and becomes greater” until it is a “sacred, pure and morally blameless house of God”.

When we think through these words of Paul, we admire his metaphor for the manner in which God builds His “holy temple”. Jesus is the “cornerstone” upon which the entire “church” is built, and as it “grows and increases” it becomes the “temple” of the Lord. God is building His church, and He includes all people who receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior as part of His “holy edifice”. May we all realize how determined God is to include any and everyone in His magnificent building.

Next time Paul shares about “an habitation of God”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Jesus the Chief Cornerstone Ephesians 2:20

Paul the apostle explained to the Ephesians how Jesus' dying on the cross brought Jews and Gentiles

“access” to God. No longer were the Gentiles “strangers and foreigners”, but they were made “fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God”. In chapter two and verse twenty of his letter, Paul shared how “Jesus Christ” is “the chief cornerstone” where we read:

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets,

Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

The verse begins, “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets,...” Paul began with the words, “And are built” which means “to finish a structure, edifice or temple of which the foundation has already been laid” “upon the foundation” which literally means “a foundation of a building, wall or city” and metaphorically means “the beginnings or first principles of an institution or system of truth” “of the apostles” which refers to “the delegate, messengers and ones sent forth with orders” “and prophets” which refers to “ones who were moved by the Spirit of God and therefore were his organ or spokesman who solemnly declared to men what he has received by inspiration especially concerning future events and in particular such as relate to the cause and kingdom of God and to human salvation”. God demonstrated the “building” upon His “foundation” which was established by the “apostles and prophets” through Jesus Christ.

The verse continues, “...Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;” Paul added, “Jesus” whose name means “Jehovah is Salvation and is the Son of God, the Savior of mankind and God” “Christ” who is “the anointed One, the Messiah and Son of God” “himself being the chief corner stone” which refers to “the stone placed at an extreme corner of the foundation”. The “chief cornerstone” was the primary stone upon which a building or edifice was sustained. Jesus Christ is the “chief cornerstone” of the building of God, His church.

When we think through these words of Paul, we see the significance of Jesus' role in the building of the church or temple of the Lord. The church was built upon this main “stone” which was previously rejected by the “builders”. As the Psalmist wrote in Psalm 118:22 “The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.” Though Jesus was “rejected” by men, he was accepted by God and made the most important “stone” in the “building of God” or the “church”. Let us never forget the importance of God's chosen “cornerstone”, Jesus, who brought to everyone the opportunity to be saved from their sins and be in a relationship with God.

Next time Paul shares about “the holy temple of the Lord”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

No More Strangers and Foreigners Ephesians 2:19

Paul the apostle explained to the Ephesian church members how God Almighty brought both the Jews and Gentiles together through Jesus' death on the cross. Where the Jews had the advantage of the “law of commandments” which brought them into a relationship with God, the Gentiles were as outsiders without “access” to God. In chapter two and verse nineteen of his letter, Paul shared how Jesus' provision made the Gentiles “no more strangers and foreigners” but “fellow-citizens” where we read:

Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners,

but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

The verse begins, “Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners,...” Paul began with the word “Now” which means “then, accordingly, consequently and these things being so” “therefore” or “wherefore and so then” “you are no more” which means “no longer or further” “strangers” or “foreigners, aliens, without knowledge of or a share in” “and foreigners” which literally refers to “strangers and ones who live in a place without the right of citizenship” and metaphorically “without citizenship in God's kingdom and of Christians whose home is in heaven”. Because of Jesus bringing together the Jews and Gentiles through His death on the cross, the Gentiles who at one time were strangers are no more.

The verse goes on to say, “...but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;” Paul added, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated “fellow-citizens” which means “possessing the same citizenship with other such as the Gentiles as received into communion of the saints and people consecrated to God” “with the saints” which refers to “the most holy, sacred, pure, morally blameless, religiously and ceremonially consecrated”, “and of the household” or “belonging to a house or family both domestic and intimate, kindred and related” “of God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”. Now that the Gentiles have been brought into a relationship with Jesus, they are considered “fellow-citizens” and “family” with those who belong to the “household of God”.

When we think through these words of Paul, we see the significance of Jesus bringing the Gentiles into a relationship with God. Because He gave His life, everyone may be a part of God's family, and those who yield their lives to Him have obtained their family “citizenship”. May all glory and praise be unto God for the provision He has given to all who receive His Son as Savior and Lord.

Next time Paul shares how this idea is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Access Unto Father God Ephesians 2:18

Paul the apostle continued to share with the church members of Ephesus all the glorious blessings God has bestowed upon them. Before Jesus died on the cross, the “Gentiles” of whom the Ephesians were, were thought not to have any relationship with God unless they became Jews. In chapter two and verse eighteen of his letter, Paul shared how God's Spirit gave everyone “access unto the Father” where we read:

For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

The verse begins, “For through him we both have access...” Paul began with the words, “For through him” which means “because of, since and on account of Jesus” “we both” or “the Jews and the Gentiles” “have access” which means “the act of bringing to, a moving to and approach”. By Jesus Christ's death on the cross, both Jews and Gentiles have the ability to “approach” the throne of God.

The verse goes on to say, “...by one Spirit unto the Father.” Paul continued, “by one Spirit” which refers to “the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son” “unto the Father” which literally means “the generator or male ancestor” and metaphorically means “the originator and transmitter of anything and refers to God who is called the Father”. The Holy Spirit of God has given everyone, regardless of their birth heritage, “access” to God “the Father”.

When we think through these words of Paul, we see the “Holy Spirit's” involvement in giving all people “access” to God. There was a division between the Jews and Gentiles before Jesus died on the cross, but afterwards anyone has the opportunity to receive Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior and thereby are able to “approach” God the Father. Let all who read these words understand the glorious benefits of God's involvement through the Holy Spirit with all people regardless of their state of birth.

Next time Paul shares how the Ephesians and the Gentiles “no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Peace Preached to Those Which Were Far Off Ephesians 2:17

Paul the apostle explained how God Almighty through Jesus Christ His son “abolished in his flesh, the law of commandments” which separated the Jews and Gentles. Because Jesus died on the cross, the detachment between the Jews and Gentiles was brought together into “one” having “slain the enmity” or “hatred” thereby. In chapter two and verse seventeen of his letter, Paul shared how he “came and preached peace” to them “which were afar off, and to them that were” near where we read:

And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

The verse begins, “And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, ...” Paul began, “And came” which literally means “to appear, make an appearance and come before the public” “and preached” which means “” “peace” or “rest and quietness” “to you” which refers to the Ephesians and Gentiles “which were afar off” or “far, a great way and far hence” from a relationship with God. Paul was commissioned to share the gospel of Jesus Christ by “preaching” to everyone who lived regardless of whether their position was “far” away from God.

The verse goes on to say, “... and to them that were nigh.” Paul continued, “and to them that were nigh” which is one Greek word “eggys” and refers to “the Jews who were near of place and position”. Though the Jews were “close” or “near” to God because of the advantage of the “commandments”, they were also included in the “preaching” of “peace” which is available through Jesus Christ.

When we think through these words of Paul, we see God's desire to have both Jews and Gentiles in a relationship with Him. He sent Paul to “preach” the good news of Jesus Christ to everyone whether they had the advantage of the “law of God” or not. God loves everyone, and His desire is to save every person in the world. The question becomes, “will they submit to His offer of Salvation?” May all who read these words realize God's love and desire to be their Savior and Lord.

Next time Paul shares how both Jews and Gentiles have “access by one Spirit unto the Father”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Reconciled by the Cross Ephesians 2:16

Paul the apostle shared with the Ephesians how Jesus made “peace” between the Jews and the Gentiles as he “abolished in his flesh the enmity” of the “law of commandments” which were “contained in ordinances”. In chapter two and verse sixteen of his letter, Paul shared how the Jews and Gentiles were “reconciled” “by the cross” where we read:

And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross,

having slain the enmity thereby:

The verse begins, “And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross,...” Paul began with the phrase, “And that he might reconcile” which means “bring back to a former state of harmony” “both unto God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “in one body” or “a large number of men closely united into one society, or family as it were. It is a social, ethical and mystical body” “by the cross” which refers to “the crucifixion which Christ underwent”. God brought together the Jews and the Gentiles through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

The verse continues, “...having slain the enmity thereby:” Paul added, “having slain” which literally means “to kill in any way whatever, to destroy and allow to perish” and metaphorically means “the extinguish, abolish and deprive of spiritual life and procure eternal misery in hell” “the enmity” or “reason for opposition and hatred” “thereby” which means “in, by and with”. By dying on the cross, all opposition previously maintained by Jews and Gentiles was “destroyed”.

When we meditate upon Paul's words, we begin to understand how God was able to bring the Jews and the Gentiles together as “one body”. The “cross” “destroyed” all the opposition that was between them, and both of them were able to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. “Enmity” was gone, and access to God was made available to “everyone” no matter what their station at birth.

Next time Paul shares how Jesus provided “access by the Spirit” to God, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Abolished Enmity Ephesians 2:15

As we consider the words of Paul the apostle to the Ephesian church members, we notice the blessings God Almighty has extended through Jesus Christ to His Church. Paul told the Ephesians Jesus “is our peace, who has made both” the Jews and Gentiles as “one”, and He has “broken down the middle wall of partition between” them. In chapter two and verse fifteen of his letter Paul shared how Jesus “abolished in his flesh the enmity” that was between them as well. We read:

Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

The verse begins, “Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances;” Paul began with the words, “Having abolished” which means “rendered idle, unemployed, inactive and inoperative” “in his flesh” or “the soft substance of the living body, which covers the bones and is permeated with blood” “the enmity” which means “hostility, reason for opposition and hatred” “even the law” or “thing established, custom, precept, injunction and act of rule” “of commandments” which means “orders, commands, charges, precepts and injunctions” “contained in” or “within, by and among” “ordinances” which refers to “doctrines, decrees, rules and requirements of the law of Moses”. The “law of commandments” separated the Jews from the Gentiles because the Jews had the “law of Moses” and the Gentiles did not. This caused a separation between the two groups and yet, Jesus “abolished” this separation.

The verse goes on to say, “for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;” Paul continued, “for to make” or “create, form and shape” “in himself” which refers to “Jesus” “of twain” or “both or two” “one new man” which refers to “a recently made, fresh, unused, unworn, new kind, unprecedented, novel, uncommon and unheard of”, “so making peace” which means “producing and providing tranquility, exemption from the rage of havoc of war, security, safety, prosperity and felicity”. By dying on the cross, Jesus made “one” way by which both Jews and Gentiles might be saved. This brought Jews and Gentiles to a state of “tranquility”.

When we think through these words of Paul, we marvel at the wisdom and grace of God Almighty and His Son Jesus. They knew there was a faction and separation between those who were given “the law of commandments”, the Jews, and those who were not, the Gentiles. When Jesus died on the cross for everyone's sin, He fulfilled the “law of commandments” and thereby “rendered inactive” the means by which their separation was formed. Where there was once “enmity”, there is now “peace”.

Next time Paul shares how God “reconciled both”, Jews and Gentiles, “in one body by the cross”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Peace and Broken Walls of Division Ephesians 2:14

Paul the apostle shared with the Ephesian church members how as “Gentiles” they were “far off” before they knew Jesus as their Savior, but now are “made near by the blood of Christ”. In chapter two and verse fourteen of his letter, Paul continued his thoughts as he shared how Jesus “is our peace” and “has broken down the middle wall of partition” between the Jews and Gentiles. We read:

For he is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

The verse begins, “For he is our peace, who has made both one,...” Paul began with the word “For” which means “as, because, even, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore and yet” “he is our peace” which means “Jesus is our rest, quietness and tranquillity”, “who has made” or “produced, constructed, formed and fashioned” “both one” which refers to “united, combined and as one unit”. Jesus became the agent of “peace” between Jews and Gentiles as He became the focal point no matter whether one is a Jew or a Gentile.

The verse goes on to say, “...and has broken down the middle wall of partition between us;” Paul added, “and has broken down” or “loosed, set free, unbound and released” “the middle wall” which means “a partition wall” “of partition” or “hedge, fence, that which separates and prevents two from coming together” “between us” which refers to “the Jews and Gentiles”. Though it was not always physical and obvious, the wall that separated Jews and Gentiles was prevalent.

When we meditate upon these words of Paul, we see how Jesus broke down every barrier that separated the Jews from the Gentiles. The Salvation of Jesus is available to any and every person by simply receiving Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Our “peace” comes from Jesus Christ, and those who place their trust and faith in Him will be united together as the children of God.

Next time Paul shares how Jesus “abolished...the commandments contained in ordinances”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Far Off Made Near Ephesians 2:13

Paul the apostle referred to the Jews as the “circumcised” and the “Gentiles” as the “uncircumcised” as he reminded the Ephesians they were “aliens” and “strangers” “in time past” before they knew Jesus as their Savior. In chapter two and verse thirteen of his letter, Paul tells the Ephesians how they were “far off” from God and are now “made near by the blood of Christ” where we read:

But now in Christ Jesus you who sometimes were far off are made near by the blood of Christ.

The verse begins, “But now in Christ Jesus you who sometimes were far off ...” Paul began with the word, “But” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just written, “moreover, nevertheless, even and also”, “now in Christ” who is “the anointed One, the Messiah and the Son of God” “Jesus” whose name means “Jehovah is Salvation” and is “the Son of God, the Savior of mankind and God incarnate” “you who sometimes” or “formerly, aforetime or at some time in the past” “were far off” or “at a distance and of remote regions”. Paul shared the first part of a contrasting Gentile position which placed them “far off” from a relationship with God.

The verse goes on to say, “...are made near by the blood of Christ.” Paul continued, “are made near” or “become near of place, position and access to God” “by the blood” which refers to “the bloodshed by violence, slaying and murder” “of Christ” who is “the anointed One, the Messiah and the Son of God”. Though the Gentiles were “far off”, through the “shed blood” of Jesus Christ they now had “access, position and place with God”.

When we think through these words of Paul, we see once again the far reaching “grace” of God. Though the “Gentiles” were “estranged” from God without any hope of a relationship with Him, Jesus Christ shed His blood to bring them “close” to Himself. Because of Jesus' sacrifice, everyone has access to God whether Jew or Gentile. Praise be unto His Holy Name.

Next time Paul shares how Jesus is “our peace” and has “broken down every wall”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Aliens without Hope Ephesians 2:12

Paul the apostle referred to the “Gentiles” as the “uncircumcised” and the “Jews” as the “circumcised” as he mentioned their transformation after they received Jesus Christ as their Savior. In chapter two and verse twelve of his letter to the Ephesians, Paul shared how the “Gentiles” were “aliens from the commonwealth of Israel” who were “without hope” where we read:

That at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

The verse begins, “That at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel,...” Paul began with the words, “That at that time” or “in due measure, in an opportune, seasonable and right period” “you were without” which means “the Ephesians were separate, apart, without any and besides” “Christ” who is “the anointed one, the Messiah and Son of God”, “being aliens” which means “alienates, estranges, and shut outs from fellowship and intimacy” “from the commonwealth” or “administration of civil affairs, state, citizenship and rights of a citizen” “of Israel” which means “he shall be a prince of God or governed by God”. Paul mentioned how the Ephesians were “foreigners” to “Israel” and the citizenship which was offered to those who belonged to them.

The verse continues, “...and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:” Paul added, “and strangers” or “foreigners, guests and aliens” “from the covenants” which refers to “dispositions, arrangements, covenants or testaments” “of promise” or “announcements, assents and pledges”, “having no hope” or “expectation of evil, fear and without expectation of good, joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation”, “and without God” who is “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “in the world” or “the circle of the earth, of earthly goods, endowments and riches”. Not only were the Ephesians “estranged” from “Israel”, but they were also “strangers” to the “covenants” the Israelites received from the Lord which made them “without hope” and “God” Himself while they lived “in the world”.

When we think through these words of Paul, we are prone to wonder at the expansive “grace” of God Almighty. His benefits are inclusionary, and He desires for all, both “Jew and Gentile”, to enjoy the Salvation He offers through His son Jesus. Whether a person was previously not privy to the “covenants of promise”, “without hope” and “without God in the world”, they now have access to a relationship with Him. May all who read these words receive this wonderful gift God offers to all who are in the world.

Next time Paul shares how the Ephesians were “made near” unto God by the “blood of Christ”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Gentiles and Jews Ephesians 2:11

 

Paul the apostle told the Ephesians they were God's “workmanship” or “creative poem” who were “created in Christ Jesus unto good works”. God had “before ordained” that they “should walk in” these “good works”, and in chapter two and verse eleven of his letter, Paul refers to the “Gentiles and Jews” as he shared concerning the “Uncircumcision” and the “Circumcision” where we read:

Wherefore remember, that you being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

The verse begins, “Wherefore remember, that you being in time past Gentiles in the flesh,...” Paul began with the word, “Wherefore” or “on account of, through which thing, therefore and consequently” “remember” which means “be mindful of, call to mind, think of and feel for a person or thing, hold in memory and keep in mind”, “that you being in time past” or “formerly or afore-time ” “Gentiles” which in Greek is the word “ethnos” and refers to “a multitude associated or living together, a company, troop or swarm” “in the flesh” which literally means “the soft substance of the living body which covers the bones and is permeated with blood” and metaphorically means “the earthly nature of man apart from divine influence and therefore prone to sin and opposed to God”. Paul requested that the “Gentiles” “remember” how they were once “heathens” before they received Jesus Christ as their Savior.

The verse continues, “who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;” Paul added, “who are called” which means “affirmed, maintained, exhorted, advised, commanded, directed and mentioned as” “Uncircumcision” which literally means “having the foreskin” and refers to “a Gentile” “by that which is called” or “affirmed, maintained, exhorted, advised, commanded, directed and mentioned as” “the Circumcision” which refers to “the term used of the Jews when the foreskin is removed” “in the flesh” which means “the soft substance of the living body which covers the bones and is permeated with blood and the earthly nature of man apart from divine influence and therefore prone to sin and opposed to God” “made by hands” or “made by the skill of men”. Paul refers to the “Gentiles” as “uncircumcised” and the “Jews” as the “circumcised” as pertaining to their “flesh”.

When we think through these words of Paul, he was writing to the “uncircumcised” “Gentiles” who were deemed of lesser value than the “circumcised” “Jews”. Paul's inclusion of these “uncircumcised Gentiles” by God demonstrates just how abounding is His grace. Both “Jew” and “Gentile”, “Uncircumcised and Circumcised” have the grace of God available to them. Though the “Gentiles” may have been thought less of by the “Jews”, they were not by God Almighty. May all who read these words understand the availability of the Salvation of God through Jesus Christ to everyone no matter what their origin of birth.

Next time Paul refers to the time when the Ephesian were “without Christ”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

God's Workmanship Ephesians 2:10

Paul the apostle declared to the Ephesians that it is “by grace” they were “saved and not of” themselves, but it is “the gift of God”. This salvation came “not of works” that people can do because then they could “boast” about how much they have done and therefore have “earned” their salvation. In chapter two and verse ten of his letter, Paul shared how we are God's “workmanship” or “poem” “unto good works” where we read:

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works,

which God has before ordained that we should walk in them.

The verse begins, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works,...” Paul began with the words, “For we are his” which refers to “” “workmanship” which in Greek is the word “poiēma” from which we get our English word “poem” and means “that which has been made or the works of God as creator”, “created in” or “made habitable, formed, shape or completely changed or transformed” “Christ” which refers to “the anointed One, the Messiah and the Son of God” “Jesus” whose name means “Jehovah is Salvation” and is “the Son of God, the Savior of mankind and God incarnate” “unto good works” which means “to useful, salutary, pleasant, agreeable, joyful, happy, excellent, distinguished, upright and honorable business, employment, and that which any one is occupied or undertakes to do”. We are in essence God's creative “poem” as we have a relationship with Jesus Christ, and from this relationship we do “good works”.

The verse goes on to say, “...which God has before ordained that we should walk in them.” Paul added, “which God” who is “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “has before ordained” which means “prepared and made ready beforehand” “that we should walk” or “make our progress, make due use of, regulate and conduct oneself in the use of opportunities” “in them” which refers to “the good works”. God in His foreknowledge “prepared and made ready beforehand” that we should “make progress and due use of “the opportunities” He has given to us to “work” in His kingdom.

When we think through these words of Paul, we understand that we can do nothing to “earn” our salvation. Salvation of man was purchased through God's grace through the blood of Jesus Christ upon the cross, and no “works” that we can do add to it. However, we are God's “poem” or “creative work” that can “from” salvation engage in “good works”. It is not our “good works” that saves us, but from the time we are saved, we “work” as unto the Lord. Again, it is not “for” our salvation, but “from” our salvation. As Christians we are to “work” in the Kingdom of God, nevertheless, these “works” do nothing toward our salvation. They are manifestations of the “work”, the “creative work”, that has been done within us by God the Father through Jesus Christ His Son. May all glory and inspiration for “good works” be unto Him who is praised forevermore.

Next time Paul shares about spiritual “circumcision”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Grace, Not Boastful Works Ephesians 2:9

Paul the apostle shared how it was “by grace” the Ephesians and he were “saved”, and even their “faith” was “not of” themselves but rather was “the gift of God”. In chapter two and verse nine of his letter, Paul continued his thought as he told them how their salvation was “not of works” where we read:

Not of works, lest any man should boast.

The verse begins, “Not of works,...” Paul began with the phrase, “not of works” which means “not out of, from, by or away from business, employment and that which any one occupies, undertakes to do or undertakes”. Paul's idea was that our salvation did not and cannot come from any “works” that we may do.

The verse continues, “...lest any man should boast.” Paul added, “lest any man” which refers to “so that certain ones or some ” “should boast” or “glory on account of or in a thing”. Paul noted that if our salvation could be accomplished by our “works”, then people would “brag or boast” upon their deserved deliverance from sin.

When we consider these words of Paul, we understand how our salvation is obtained. Salvation does not come by any “works” that we may do, but by the “grace” or “unmerited favor” of God. In other words, we cannot “work” for our “salvation”. God Almighty through Jesus Christ His Son has provided the only means for the “salvation” of man, and that comes through “faith” in Jesus Christ's finish work on the cross. May all who think they can “work” their way into heaven take heed, and be relieved that God has already done all the work for our “salvation”.

Next time Paul shares about God's “workmanship” or “poem”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

God's Gift of Grace Ephesians 2:8

Paul the apostle told the Ephesian church members God has “raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:” so ”in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” In chapter two and verse eight of his letter, Paul shared how “by grace are” we “saved through faith” where we read:

For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

The verse begins, “For by grace are you saved through faith;” Paul began with the phrase, “For by grace” which means “that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness, goodwill, lovingkindness and unmerited favor” “are you saved” or “kept safe and sound and rescued from danger or destruction” “through faith” which means “the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things and provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ”. God's “grace” or “unmerited favor” was the stimulating and satisfying appeasement by which we are “saved”, and this is provided through the ability to “believe” in Jesus Christ.

The verse goes on to say, “and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” Paul added, “and that not of yourselves” which means “the faith was not by the Ephesians”: “it is the gift” or “present, expression of honor and offering” “of God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”. Even the “faith” to believe in Jesus unto our salvation was provided by God. This did not come through our own efforts, but is the generous “gift of God”.

When we think through these words of Paul, we understand the means by which we are “saved”. God Almighty through Jesus Christ His Son has provided all the necessary implements for our “salvation”. “Grace” is God's unmerited favor toward us, and we obtain God's free “gift” of “faith” by which we obtain that “faith”. In other words, God is for us, for us, for us, and all that is necessary is for us to submit to and receive His free gift.

Next time Paul shares how we are not saved by “works”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.