Lord’s Library editors created this introductory guide to the Gospel in Ephesians to showcase how the Scriptures reveal salvation by grace through faith.
Authored by the Apostle Paul, the Epistle to the Ephesians offers an exploration of the Church’s spiritual blessings in Christ and the believer’s new life. In this letter, Paul outlines the cosmic scope of the Gospel, emphasizing the ultimate purpose found in Jesus Christ. Ephesians presents a visualization of salvation by grace through faith as well, highlighting God’s perfect plan of redemption and the believer’s role within the Church; the body of Christ.
Central to the message of Ephesians is the concept of grace. Paul articulates this in Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” This passage succinctly captures the essence of the Gospel, showcasing that salvation is entirely a work of God’s grace, received through faith, and not a result of religious works.
In this guide to the Gospel in Ephesians, we showcase Scriptures (using the King James Version) that best help the Christian zoom in on the Good News using this specific book as a lens. Each verse is accompanied by concise commentary to provide the takeaway in layman’s terms. Our goal in this and all the other Gospel in the New Testament Series articles is to show how Ephesians presents the doctrine that salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ.
The Gospel in Ephesians
The Gospel in Ephesians Showcased in Scripture
- Ephesians 1:7: “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.”
Ephesians 1:7 highlights the central theme of salvation, showing that Christ’s death on the cross provided deliverance from sin. The grace of God is abundantly poured out, making forgiveness freely available to all who believe on His name.
- Ephesians 1:13-14: “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”
Ephesians 1:13-14 explains that after hearing the word of truth, the gospel of salvation, and believing in Christ, believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit.
- Ephesians 2:4-5: “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)”
Ephesians 2:4-5 underscores God’s perfect love and mercy, stating that even when we were dead to our sins, He gave us the chance to live together with Christ; this new life is a result solely of grace.
- Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches that salvation is by grace through faith and not from ourselves; it is the gift of God. It emphasizes that it is not a result of works, so no one can boast in religious deeds.
- Ephesians 2:13: “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.”
Ephesians 2:13 describes how those who were once far away have been brought near by Christ’s finished work.
- Ephesians 2:18: “For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.”
In Ephesians 2:18, Paul states that through Jesus Christ, both Jews and Gentiles have access to the Father by one Spirit.
- Ephesians 2:19-20: “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.”
This passage emphasizes the inclusion of all believers into God’s family, where they are unified and established on the truth of the Gospel, with Christ as the essential foundation of the faith.
- Ephesians 3:6: “That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel.”
Ephesians 3:6 reveals that the mystery of the Gospel is that Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel.
- Ephesians 3:12: “In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.”
Ephesians 3:12 states that through faith in Christ, we have boldness and access to God with confidence.
- Ephesians 3:17-19: “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.”
In Ephesians 3:17-19, Paul prays that Christ may dwell in the hearts of believers through faith. This passage displays the raw power of Christ’s love and the importance of being filled with God’s presence in every aspect of life.
- Ephesians 4:7: “But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.”
Ephesians 4:7 states that each believer has been given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift to them.
- Ephesians 5:2: “And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.”
Ephesians 5:2 instructs believers to walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a sacrifice to God.
The theme of unity in Christ is evident in Ephesians. Paul writes about the mystery of God’s will in Ephesians 1:10: “That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:”
This unity extends to the Church, composed of both Jews and Gentiles, reconciled through the cross. See Ephesians 2:14-16: “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:”
The Gospel, therefore, not only reconciles individuals to God but also unites them into one body in the Church.
Lord's Library is a Christian resource hub. Our editors use a variety of internet research methods like search engines, audio and video, AI, consultations with ministry leaders in the field, and more. Lord's Library should never be a substitute for reading your Bible daily as the Scriptures are to be our final authority on all matters. Lord's Library participates in affiliate programs. We may make a small commission from products purchased through this resource.
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