Ephesians 2:5 - Forerunner Commentary

Ephesians 2:5

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Articles, Bible studies, and sermons that contain The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians 2:5:

Ephesians 2:4-7
Excerpted from: Government (Part Three)

Paul is making an illustration here that is very similar to others that he made—in which he takes an experience of Jesus Christ and shows how we go through much the same thing. Another example of this is Romans 6, in regards to baptism—how we are baptized into Christ's death and how we are raised up to a new way of life. Christ also died. Christ also was buried. Christ also was raised up. Somewhat different, but still it is a similar pattern that we are going through.

That is exactly what Paul is doing here in Ephesians 2. He is making a comparison with something that Christ has already done in reality. We are going through the same kind of thing in a tiny spiritual way. First of all, there is the communication of a new way of life. That is, we hear the gospel. Then, because of that, there is a change from a state of death caused by sin. We were dead in trespasses. Then, there is "a making alive," and then, exaltation into heavenly places.

It is obvious that this has not yet completely, literally, occurred to us, but Christians are sharing Christ's experience in their experience. I want you to notice that those words are written in the past tense. Verse 6 is very clear—"raised us up" and "made us sit together." It has already occurred. It is a spiritual transformation, already effective. Now, it is very important that you get this! It is already made effective.

Its purpose is also stated here, and that is "that in ages to come [that is yet future] He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." So, a spiritual transformation, already made effective. We are in process of being prepared to glorify God in ages to come.

Let me give you an amplified, but a more literal, translation of that phrase "that in ages to come." That is: "in ages that will pile up (or, pile themselves one upon another) in continuous succession." It is another way of saying "from age to age." It is another way of saying, "forever and ever." It is another way of saying, "from everlasting to everlasting."

Ephesians 2:4-10
Excerpted from: The Eternal Privileges of the Bride

Please turn with me Ephesians 2, verse 4. So what is true of us now in light of the dignity of Christ? God has allowed His people even now to share in a measure of the dignity and authority that Christ has seated at the right hand of God. We are going to read verses 4 through 10.

We will be doing good works for eternity as the bride of Christ. Verse 7 explains why God so generously demonstrates His love, so that we will be in awe for all eternity over His incredible kindness and love that will never end. It will take eternity to fully understand and appreciate God's law, if that would be even possible. But thanks to having God's Holy Spirit running through us, we will be enabled to understand. It will take eternity to completely fathom God's abundant and unending love.

So if we are faithful Christians, we are in Christ, and that means that we are considered seated with Him in the heavenly places. Wherever the Bridegroom is, the bride is also, and the standing, the dignity, and the position that belonged to Him belong to us, to her.

Speaking of the virtuous woman but also in a spiritual sense, to the bride of Christ. The moment she becomes His bride, she shares in everything with Him. Therefore, she must uphold her position, responsibilities, and dignity.

Do we uphold God's dignity in our everyday life? We certainly try but we certainly also need the Holy Spirit to help us and to empower us to be able to do that.

There is no greater insult against the Bridegroom than someone's refusal to honor His bride. But she must be worthy. Dignity is the quality or state of being worthy, honored, or esteemed. This is something we are told repeatedly.

Articles
Living By Faith and God's Grace  (2)
Parables and a Pearl
Taking It Through the Grave

Bible Studies
Parables of Luke 15 (Part Three)
The Parables of Matthew 13 (Part Six): The Parable of the Hidden Treasure

Essays
Christian Heroes
The Peculiarities of Atonement
Welfare and Christianity

Sermons
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Twelve)
Are You Alive to God?
Are You Alive to God?
Imagining the Garden of Eden (Part 7)
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part 10)
The Love of Christ
Living by Faith: God's Grace (Part 3)
Living by Faith: God's Grace (Part 3)
Living by Faith: God's Grace (Part 4)
Genesis 3:20-24: Consequences for God and Man
Biblical Principles of Justice (Part One)
A Trustworthy Relationship
Conduct of the New Life
Reconciliation (Part Two): Christ's Work
Esther (Part Four)
Is America a Christian Nation? (Part One)
Is America a Christian Nation? Summary (Part One)
Using Power Righteously (Part One)
The Sabbath: Creation
Back to Life (Part Three)
Back to Life (Part Five)
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Six): Sardis
The Paradox of Terror and Rejoicing
Parables of Matthew 13 (Part 3): Hidden Treasure
Go and Do Likewise
Chosen Instruments of God
The Mystery of the Church
Stewards of the Mysteries of God
Made Alive by Exceeding Greatness!
The Christian Paradox (Part One)
The Laborers: Matthew 20:1-16
James and Unleavened Bread (Part 1)
Pentecost and the Book of Ruth
Warfare!
God's Workmanship (Part 2)
God's Pearls
Prepare for Your Future Now
Unity (Part 6): Ephesians 4 (C)
All in All
Spirituality and True Conversion
God the Father (Part 2)
Manifesting Kindness
If You Do These Things, You Shall Never Fall
Be You Thankful
Trumpets: Glorious Appearings
The Greatness of God's Power

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