Ephesians 3:11

“according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord”.

“According”: “This was in accordance” (NASV). “This was according to” (RSV). “In conformity to that timeless purpose which He centered in Christ Jesus” (Phi). “The eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord”: “God has not had to change His plans in reaction to unexpected opposition from men or angels” (Boles p. 251). The church is an essential part of God's eternal purpose. It is the "one body" in which God planned to save all believers (Ephesians 2:16; Ephesians 5:23). “The church was not substituted for the kingdom because the Jews rejected His initial proposals. The church was not. stop-gap measure until the kingdom could be introduced at the second-coming of the Lord. He has no new plans. He has no plans revised because of man's rejection of his Son” (Caldwell p. 122). Caldwell makes some good observations concerning the "Church" and the "Kingdom of God": They share. common origin in date and place (Isaiah 2:2; Acts 2:1). Identical boundary and territory (Daniel 2:44; Mark 16:15). The same ownership (John 18:36; Matthew 16:18). Common rulership (1 Timothy 6:15; Ephesians 5:23). The same requirements for entrance (John 3:5; Acts 2:38). Common membership for citizenship in fellowship (Colossians 1:13). And the same memorial supper (Matthew 26:29; 1 Corinthians 11:20) and anticipate the same time of deliverance (1 CorinthiansEphesians 15:24; 1 Thessalonians 4:16)” (p. 123).

One cannot separate Christ from His church (Ephesians 1:22-23). Stott adds: “The major lesson taught by this first half of Ephesians 3:1 is the biblical centrality of the church. Some people construct. Christianity which consists entirely of. personal relationship to Jesus Christ and has virtually nothing to do with the church. Others make. grudging concession to the need for church membership” (p. 126).