- He has revealed His will: (1: 9-10): A “mystery” is a divine truth known only to God’s people through revelation. God was not keeping this secret intentionally with Himself, because His plan for this world would not be understood until Christ’s resurrection from the death. Further God had planned the universal plan of salvation for both Jews and Gentiles irrespective of culture, nation, race or gender. In Christ we are a part of God’s eternal purpose to gather together “all things in Christ” (1:10). This present world is falling apart with war, strife, and sin. But one day God will usher in a new creation, with all things united in Christ. When the times have reached their fulfilment, the Lord would bring us together to be with Him forever. Then the whole world would understand His perfect plan for humanity. Everyone would bow down to Him either because they love Him or fear Him (Phil.2:10-11).
- He has given us an inheritance: (1:11-12): God’s sole purpose was to offer His salvation to the entire world because we are His creation. He is in control of this world. All His plans are predestined for us which works out perfectly in conformity according to His purpose and will. Further He wants to be the cause of His glory and praise. Therefore His purpose to save us or grant us the Salvation cannot be thwarted by any force in this world. He loves us with His agape love. God’s predestination also included our inheritance in Christ (1 Pet.1:3-4). Further He has made us the co-heirs with Christ also. (Rom.8:17). The church is His body, temple, and bride and we shall someday share His glory.
The Holy Spirit has preserved us: (1:13-14): The Holy Spirit makes a two-pronged act in order to preserve the redeemed ones.
- He has sealed us: (1: 13): The time of sealing coincides with the time of believing. A seal indicates the possession and security. The sinner hears the Word of Truth, trusts in Christ, receives the Holy Spirit, and is sealed forever. When a sinner trusts Christ, immediately the Holy Spirit will enter into the heart. This sealing means God owns us and will keep us. Nobody can break God’s seal!
- He has given us an earnest: (1:14): “Earnest money” in business means money given as a down payment for a purchased possession. Christ has purchased our future for us, but we have not yet entered into all the blessings. God has given us His Spirit as the “down payment” to assure us that we will experience total redemption and receive God’s promised blessings in glory.
Consecration of the body: (1:15-23):
The apostle Paul prays that God will allow His church to understand 4-things about the consecration of the body.
- Understanding spiritual truths: (1:17-18): Spiritual truths must be spiritually discerned (1 Cor. 2:9-16), and this understanding can come only from the Holy Spirit. He wrote the Word, He alone can teach us what it says.
- Know the hope of His calling: (1:18 b): Because God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world, we have a blessed hope for all eternity that depends not on our goodness but on His grace. The Christian who does not know his high calling (Phil. 3:14), holy calling (2 Tim. 1:9) and heavenly calling (Heb. 3:1) will never be able to walk worthy of that calling.
3. Know the riches of His inheritance: (1:18 c): We not only have an inheritance in Christ, but we are an inheritance to Christ. The word “riches” appears often in Ephesians, suggesting that there is nothing lacking or nothing more that we need. Christians who are mature in the Lord will know how much they mean to Christ and when they start living pleasing to God would bring much joy to His heart.
4. Know His power: (1:19-23): The very power that raised Jesus from the dead is available for our daily lives! Christ has already won the victory over sin, death, the world and Satan. The world fears the power of the atom, yet we belong to the God of the universe who not only created that atomic power but also raised Jesus Christ from the dead. God’s incomparably great power is available to help us. There is nothing too difficult for Him. God’s people do not fight for victory but from victory! We are seated with Him in the heaven, where there are power, peace, and victory. Christ is the ultimate authority over the world. Jesus is the Messiah, who would set the broken world right. God has won the final victory and He is in control of everything. We need not fear any dictator or nation or even death or Satan himself. The contract has been signed and sealed and we are waiting just a short while for delivery. Further Paul says that Christ is the head and we are body of His church. The image of the body shows the church’s unity. Each member is involved with all the others as they go about doing Christ’s work on earth.