Ephesians 3:1-11 "For this cause, I Paul, the prisoner of JESUS CHRIST for you Gentiles, if ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of GOD which is given me to you-ward: how that by revelation HE made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of CHRIST) which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto HIS Holy Apostles and Prophets by the SPIRIT; that the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of HIS promise in CHRIST by the Gospel: whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of GOD given unto me by the effectual working of HIS power.
Unto me, whom am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of CHRIST; and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in GOD, WHO created all things by JESUS CHRIST: to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of GOD. According to the eternal purpose which HE purposed in CHRIST JESUS our LORD:"
Ephesians chapter two describes the church as a "building" (Ephesians 2:21) composed of "lively (living) stones" (1st.Peter 2:5 pictured above) - saved Jews and Gentiles. This equal access to salvation by grace and the subsequent formation of the body of CHRIST, made up of all who believe the Gospel, was a mystery previously veiled during the Old Testament times (1st.Peter 1:10-12) but now made known by the Apostles of JESUS CHRIST to the church. A "mystery" (v.3), then, is the unfolding or revealing of New Testament doctrine through the revelatory gifts. The HOLY SPIRIT gave these gifts to the Apostles and New Testament Prophets so they could communicate church doctrine hitherto unknown (v.5). The Apostle Paul understood the mystery concerning the church by "revelation" (v.3) and by "knowledge" mentioned in 1st.Corinthians 13:8 pictured below. These spiritual revelatory gifts ceased to exist once the canon of Scripture was completed (1st.Corinthians 13:8-13) because, upon its conclusion, no further need existed for new revelation. All divinely given communication regarding the Gospel of GOD's grace as well as the formation of the body of CHRIST, the church, is finished and compiled in the written WORD of GOD, the Bible.
The essence of the "mystery" is that "the unsearchable riches of CHRIST" (vv.6-8) are offered to all (Jew and Gentile alike) through the preaching of the Gospel. The newly created body, the church, reveals the "manifold wisdom of GOD" (v.10), for therein are those who are called out of all nations washed in the blood for one objective-to bring honor and glory to the LORD JESUS CHRIST (v.11). Are we fulfilling our purpose ? DWC
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
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