Paul wrote Ephesians to the church in Ephesus around 60 A.D. Ephesus was a resort city with a mild climate that attracted many people. The city had a great temple dedicated to the goddess Diana. With such a temple, it’s natural to assume idolatry was common. Yet the Gospel had been so effective here that it threatened the very existence of the temple worship.
Paul was writing to people living under great pressure. Since Christianity was threatening idol worship, there were trials inflicted by those who were seeking to keep their livelihood from idolatry. An analysis of the portion of Scripture will show us the distinct blessings of being a part of the body of Christ.
- The believer is chosen
- The period – before the foundation of the world
- The purpose – that we should be holy
- The motive – it pleased Him
- The believer is redeemed
- This is an act of buying back
- The method – through His blood
- The result – forgiveness
- He lavished His love on us
- The believer has an inheritance
- We have inherited great benefits – life, fullness, future
- He has accepted us as His possession
- The believer is sealed
- A seal symbolizes a finished transaction
- It represents authenticity
- It is a badge of fulfillment
Therefore, these words from Ephesians show us the distinct blessings we receive as part of the body of Christ.
