The Scriptures are progressive in revealing God’s plan. The Old Testament points to the coming Messiah, while the gospels present the historical Christ — that is what he did when he first came. Little is communicated about what was accomplished on the cross because God kept it a secret, or as it is called a mystery.
1 Corinthians 2:6-10 Paul the Apostle was given the revelation about the great mystery which is now written in the church Epistles with his name. The book of Acts records the history of the early church after Christ ascended. Obviously, they did not know the fullness of what was accomplished on the cross until Paul shows up on the scene.
Romans 16:25 — The next few weeks we will focus on the epistles that reveal the great mystery.
Ephesians 1:9; 3:1-11 In this mystery, we see God’s eternal purpose. Within the mystery, we learn our new identity in Christ.
Ephesians 1:1-23
1:1 Saints are the faithful in Christ, the Greek word hagios is translated 9 times as “saints” in Ephesians and 5 times “holy.” The saints are the holy ones. In Christ you have been made holy. You are a saint!
3 — Heavenly 1; 20; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12
Only God knew what was to be accomplished IN CHRIST — 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15
4 — Many are called, few are chosen. Matthew 22:14
You were called. Have you responded? If so, you are chosen.
5 — Predestination and free will (Matthew 22:1-14)
God’s kind intention to you is that you become His son, that you be a part of the purpose of the ages, His family.
6 — Praise of God’s glory, 12 and 14
7 — Redemption — 2:1-13 If the devil knew killing Jesus would free those whom he held captive in sin, he would not have killed him. Christ took on sin on the cross.
9 — God’s kind intention is why we are included and why we can know when for centuries others did not know.
10-14 All these blessings now and, if we are faithful, the Kingdom when it comes — how can we not live to the praise of His glory?
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