Ephesians 1 In Christ

In this first chapter of Pau’s letter to the Ephesians; Paul uses a literary device to make a point. Make a point and then emphasize that point. Paul rattles off a run-on sentence from verse 3 all the way through verse 14.

The singular dominant theme of this run-on sentence is “In Christ”

Famous theologian, FF Bruce makes an observation, “ ‘In Christ’ is a wonder that we should acknowledge and praise”. “Blessed be the God and Father of our LORD Jesus Christ”

Before we face the challenge to live out our calling, Paul draws our attention to what has been given; secured. That which we should receive, value and embrace.

“In HIM” we are chosen; we are predestined; we are accepted…redeemed…informed; we are heirs and we are sealed.

The reality of our “In Christ” experience empowers us.
Such empowerment fuels our expectations.
And these dynamic expectations create within us a drive; we are motivated. Within us is created a sense of imperative

We will live out our calling because of what has been secured for us “In Christ.”
 

In this first chapter of Pau’s letter to the Ephesians;  Paul uses a literary device to make a point.  Make a point and then emphasize that point.  Paul rattles off a run-on sentence from verse 3 all the way through verse 14.

The singular dominant theme of this run-on sentence is “In Christ”

Famous theologian, FF Bruce makes an observation, “ ‘In Christ’ is a wonder that we should acknowledge and praise”. “Blessed be the God and Father of our LORD Jesus Christ”

Before we face the challenge to live out our calling, Paul draws our attention to what has been given;  secured.  That which we should receive, value and embrace.

“In HIM” we are chosen;  we are predestined;  we are accepted…redeemed…informed;  we are heirs and we are sealed.

The reality of our “In Christ” experience empowers us.

Such empowerment fuels our expectations.

And these dynamic expectations create within us a drive;  we are motivated.  Within us is created a sense of imperative

We will live out our calling because of what has been secured for us “In Christ.”