Lord’s Library editors created this introductory guide to the Gospel in Ephesians to showcase how the Scriptures reveal salvation by grace through faith in Ephesians.
The Epistle to the Ephesians, attributed to the Apostle Paul, is a profound 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 unity and purpose found in Jesus Christ. Ephesians presents a comprehensive vision of salvation by grace through faith, highlighting God’s eternal 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 divine grace. Paul articulates this beautifully 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, emphasizing that salvation is entirely a work of God’s grace, received through faith, and not a result of human effort.
Ephesians also emphasizes the believer’s new identity in Christ. Paul speaks of believers as being “blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3) and “chosen in him before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4). These verses highlight the spiritual riches and eternal purpose bestowed upon believers, underscoring the security and assurance found in Christ’s redemptive work.
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 that in Jesus Christ, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of God’s grace.
- 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. The Holy Spirit is described as a deposit guaranteeing their inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of His glory.
- 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 emphasizes God’s great love and mercy, stating that even when we were dead in our sins, He made us alive together with Christ. It underscores that this new life is a result 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.
- 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 the blood of Christ.
- Ephesians 2:18: “For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.”
Ephesians 2:18 states that through Jesus Christ, we both 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.”
Ephesians 2:19-20 explains that believers are no longer strangers and foreigners but are fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household. This household is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone.
- 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.”
Ephesians 3:17-19 expresses Paul’s prayer for the believers, that Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith and that they, being rooted and grounded in love, may have the power to grasp the breadth, length, height, and depth of Christ’s love. He prays that they may know this love that surpasses knowledge and be filled with all the fullness of God.
- 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.
- 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 fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
These verses from Ephesians emphasize the richness of God’s grace, the redemption through Christ’s blood, and the faith through which believers receive salvation. They highlight the transformative power of the Gospel and the new identity and relationship believers have in Christ.
–
The theme of unity in Christ is another key aspect of Ephesians. Paul writes about the mystery of God’s will, which is “that in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ” (Ephesians 1:10). This unity extends to the Church, composed of both Jews and Gentiles, reconciled through the cross (Ephesians 2:14-16). The Gospel, therefore, not only reconciles individuals to God but also unites them into one body, the Church.
Furthermore, Ephesians explores the transformative power of the Gospel in the believer’s life. Paul urges believers to “walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called” (Ephesians 4:1), highlighting the ethical and moral transformation that accompanies salvation. This new life in Christ is characterized by love, holiness, and a commitment to building up the body of Christ in unity and maturity (Ephesians 4:11-13).
As we delve into these key passages, it becomes clear that Ephesians offers a rich and multi-faceted presentation of the Gospel. The epistle not only underscores the grace and sovereignty of God in salvation but also emphasizes the believer’s new identity, the unity of the Church, and the ethical implications of living out the Gospel. Through its theological depth and practical exhortations, Ephesians provides a comprehensive and inspiring vision of the Christian life and the glorious inheritance we have in Christ.
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.
- What Does the Bible Say About Fellowship? With Key Scriptures - September 10, 2024
- What Does the Bible Say About Friendship? With Key Scriptures - September 10, 2024
- What Does the Bible Say About Faith? With Key Scriptures - September 7, 2024
