Ephesians 3:2-12 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
What is authentic heartfelt, transformational “saving faith”? You know … Ephesians 2:8 faith that declares, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Not just the theological definition from the Webster’s 1828 dictionary of “the assent of the mind or understanding to the truth of what God has revealed. Simple belief of the Scriptures, of the being and perfections of God, and of the existence, character and doctrines of Christ, founded on the testimony of the sacred writers” (which is necessary in all Believers). But “the evangelical, justifying, or saving faith, which is the assent of the mind to the truth of divine revelation, on the authority of God's testimony, accompanied with a cordial assent of the will or approbation of the heart; an entire confidence or trust in God's character and declarations, and in the character and doctrines of Christ, with an unreserved surrender of the will to His guidance, and dependence on His merits for salvation. In other words, that firm belief of God's testimony, and of the truth of the gospel, which influences the will, and leads to an entire reliance on Christ for salvation.”
Our pastors are preaching a Sunday sermon series through the Pauline Epistle of the Book of Ephesians and previously expounded on God love, mercy and grace in Ephesians 2:4-5 that “because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” The Apostle Paul echoes this gospel truth in Romans 5:8 that “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
God sent His Son as the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ, who was first revealed by God clear back in Genesis 3:15, before the calling of Abraham that fathered the Jewish nation and Israelite people from which the Messiah of God would come from to save the people. This was known as the “protoevangelium” — the first gospel. The verse introduces two elements previously unknown in the Garden of Eden, elements that are the basis of Christianity—the curse on mankind because of Adam’s sin and God’s provision for a Savior from sin who would take the curse upon Himself. A Savior for all people to every descendant of Eve; every nation and race on earth created by God.
The is a choice that each of us must make, whether to accept this gift of God unto Salvation. Sadly, many love their sinful life and will choose to reject Jesus, but John 1:12-14 tells us “yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. Every born-again Believer is saved. Now, that is Good News!
2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. So, He gave us Jesus. By faith, receive and cleave to Him – the ultimate gift.
In Christ, Brian
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