EPHESIANS Date A.D. 60

The Book of Ephesians records that God reconciled people to Himself as an act of Grace and to each other by uniting individuals into One Body. This letter as viewed as being written when The Apostle was a prisoner.

Ephesians means inhabitants of Port Ephesus of Asia known as 'the landing place'.

The Book reveals the Christian existence is not just on the earthly realm. The Body of Christ receives its meaning and purpose from heaven, from Christ. This life is in great contrast to the old way of life without Christ. Prayer is shown to be victorious over the evil one at times of great spiritual conflict.

The book teaches that Christians are not spiritual paupers, they are adopted, sealed with The Holy Spirit, have forgiveness, grace, citizenship and every spiritual blessing and are equipped also for spiritual warfare including spiritual armour.

The theology of this letter reflects The Apostle Paul's own maturity; it conveys the position of the Christian believers in Christ. Christians were and still are encouraged to maintain a walk of holiness, to be set apart. This text is suitable for all congregations.

The Book of Ephesians is the fifth of nine New Testament doctrinal and discipleship letters written by The Apostle Paul to the early churches. These books are also considered History Books containing teaching. It is also the tenth of twenty-seven Books of The New Testament.

• CHOSEN BIBLICAL SCRIPTURE

Scriptural understanding of The Church is corporate rather than individual, of which Jesus Christ The Lord, is Head. The purpose and mission of the church is to glorify God and proclaim the gospel of Christ throughout the world. God's purpose for His people is to share His Glory. Believers live their lives in union with Christ and in the power of The Holy Spirit, called to mutual holy living and worship. The One Hope the One Body of Christians all share, is the security of the magnificent future with Christ, The One Lord. The Body of Christ lives its life in union with Christ and Christ lives in The Church. Believers are united with Christ in baptism and The Church lives with the power of The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was given to The Church for its betterment. The Spirit seals the Body of Christ, guides the Body, teaches The Body and sanctifies The Body of believers. The One Baptism believer's all share is the common mark of identification and unity. This unity was produced through the reconciling death of Christ. Because of Jesus Christ's indwelling Spirit, believers are able to live as One Body, the result being effective ministry, developing Christian character, not from human effort but from God, because of a relationship with God The Father.

God made provision for the church to work together in harmony. The reality of unity is a close personal relationship with Christ, which is expressed in obedience to His Word that is essential to discipleship. All New Testament writers exhort believers to abide in Christ, keeping His teaching. The body is a chosen people, a holy people, set apart to be a glorified people.

Jesus is All in All, Believers grow in Christ and are chosen in Christ, adopted through Him, Beloved and Redeemed in Him, given an inheritance in Him, made Alive with Him and Partakers of the Promise in Christ.

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