_Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus._ INTRODUCTORY GREETING In these words we have-- I. Paul’s description of himself. “An apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God.” He attributed nothing to the vigour of his faith, to the passion of his grati... [ Continue Reading ]
_Blessed he the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ._ BLESSED BE GOD Observe well, that the same word is used in reference to our wish towards God and God’s act towards us: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord... [ Continue Reading ]
_According as He hath chosen us before the foundation of the world._ ELECTION I. Let us consider the cause, fountain, origin of the blessings of salvation--“according as He hath chosen as.” The blessings which we enjoy, the apostle affirms, are in consequence of God’s having chosen us, that we mig... [ Continue Reading ]
_Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will._ THE PREDESTINATION OF BELIEVERS I. The benefit itself. “Having predestinated.” 1. God first loves us to life before the means bringing us to life are decreed. 2. God ha... [ Continue Reading ]
_To the praise of the glory of His grace._ GOD’S GLORY IN MAN’S SALVATION 1. All that God did from eternity intend about man has no end but His own glory. The reason is plain. God, who is wisdom itself, cannot work without an end. A wise man will do nothing but to some purpose. God’s object in maki... [ Continue Reading ]
_In whom we have redemption through His blood._ REDEMPTION IN CHRIST God has made Christ an Adam, head, root, receptacle and storehouse, in whom are treasured all those good things which from Him are communicated to us. 1. By nature we are no better than in a spiritual bondage. (1) Under a stern... [ Continue Reading ]
_Wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence._ GOD’S GRACE IN REDEMPTION I. From the words before us, the first observation we would make is that the grace of God in redemption is abundant grace--“Wherein He hath abounded toward us.” The term here used corresponds exactly with the... [ Continue Reading ]
_Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself._ THE MYSTERY OF THE GOSPEL I. The sovereign grace of God in making known to us the mystery of His will. 1. The gospel is called the mystery of God’s will. We must not expect to be... [ Continue Reading ]
_That in the dispensation of the fulness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ._ HEAVEN AND EARTH UNITED IN CHRIST Heaven and earth are to be restored to each other as well as to Him. The knowledge of God and the sanctity which have come to us in this world of conflict and s... [ Continue Reading ]