Welp here we go! =)
"This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. I am writing to God’s holy people in Ephesus, who are faithful followers of Christ Jesus. 2 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. 3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. 4 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. 5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. 6 So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. 7 He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. 8 He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding."
(What a Different Translation? Click Here)
Just reading through this passage there are a number of things that stick out. The first thing I notice is how Paul says that we have been blessed with EVERY spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms BECAUSE we are united with Christ. This stuck out with me for a couple of reasons, but I find it interesting and rather cool that right out of the gate, Paul confesses that the reason we have blessings is because we belong to Christ, not because of we earned by working and doing good things. This theme is rather big in Paul's literature, especially here in Ephesians. Before anything existed, God loved us. That's a humbling and encouraging truth right there! If you keep reading, everyone's favorite topic pops up! Predestination. I'm sure every one of you are probably very tired of hearing me talk about this, but it's in Scripture and thus should be talked about! =)
I like the way that this translation translates this section. Our friends from Reformed and Calvinist camps probably wouldn't. I want to remind you guys that the ongoing 'argument' (I still prefer to use the term 'conversation' but too many people on both sides are neglecting the disagree in love admonishments of the New Testament) between these two sides isn't on who's doing the saving! It never was about that and it never will be! If you hear a person say that the ongoing discussion is centered on that, you now know that they're wrong and that they don't really understand the conversation. One side's arguing that God saves people without granting them the opportunity to respond (in a positive or negative way). The other said believes that God saves people and allows them the opportunity to respond (in a positive/accepting or negative/rejecting way). For the first (or Reformed) position to be correct, the interpretation of this passage would probably have to be something like "each individual is picked before time." The reason I like this translation, is because I think that the meaning of what Paul's getting at here isn't what the Reformed camp is saying. I'll admit that sure, maybe God DID actually know who was going to be saved beforehand, but He allowed them to make the choice and He didn't force them in or out. Looking back at the text. Paul explains that what God decided to do beforehand is save people THROUGH His Son (v 5). I won't type a theology paper here, but I think I got my point across. The fact is, in my opinion, the Greek can be read either way. However I believe that this reading makes more sense and reflects the greater story that is presented in all of Scripture. But as I have always said, I could be wrong, and I'll still be fine! =) So what do you guys think? What else stuck out to you guys in this section of Ephesians 1?
"God I pray that You would reveal more of Yourself and more of Your truth to us! Please guide us as we read and talk about Your Word. Guide us, build us up. Reveal things in our lives that are keeping us from growing closer to You. Please keep us safe as we begin our summer and allow us to stay connected with You and with one another! We love You and we desperately need You! In Jesus name, Amen!"
Just reading through this passage there are a number of things that stick out. The first thing I notice is how Paul says that we have been blessed with EVERY spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms BECAUSE we are united with Christ. This stuck out with me for a couple of reasons, but I find it interesting and rather cool that right out of the gate, Paul confesses that the reason we have blessings is because we belong to Christ, not because of we earned by working and doing good things. This theme is rather big in Paul's literature, especially here in Ephesians. Before anything existed, God loved us. That's a humbling and encouraging truth right there! If you keep reading, everyone's favorite topic pops up! Predestination. I'm sure every one of you are probably very tired of hearing me talk about this, but it's in Scripture and thus should be talked about! =)
I like the way that this translation translates this section. Our friends from Reformed and Calvinist camps probably wouldn't. I want to remind you guys that the ongoing 'argument' (I still prefer to use the term 'conversation' but too many people on both sides are neglecting the disagree in love admonishments of the New Testament) between these two sides isn't on who's doing the saving! It never was about that and it never will be! If you hear a person say that the ongoing discussion is centered on that, you now know that they're wrong and that they don't really understand the conversation. One side's arguing that God saves people without granting them the opportunity to respond (in a positive or negative way). The other said believes that God saves people and allows them the opportunity to respond (in a positive/accepting or negative/rejecting way). For the first (or Reformed) position to be correct, the interpretation of this passage would probably have to be something like "each individual is picked before time." The reason I like this translation, is because I think that the meaning of what Paul's getting at here isn't what the Reformed camp is saying. I'll admit that sure, maybe God DID actually know who was going to be saved beforehand, but He allowed them to make the choice and He didn't force them in or out. Looking back at the text. Paul explains that what God decided to do beforehand is save people THROUGH His Son (v 5). I won't type a theology paper here, but I think I got my point across. The fact is, in my opinion, the Greek can be read either way. However I believe that this reading makes more sense and reflects the greater story that is presented in all of Scripture. But as I have always said, I could be wrong, and I'll still be fine! =) So what do you guys think? What else stuck out to you guys in this section of Ephesians 1?
"God I pray that You would reveal more of Yourself and more of Your truth to us! Please guide us as we read and talk about Your Word. Guide us, build us up. Reveal things in our lives that are keeping us from growing closer to You. Please keep us safe as we begin our summer and allow us to stay connected with You and with one another! We love You and we desperately need You! In Jesus name, Amen!"
Pat, I love your take on this passage. I especially like how you pointed out that Paul wasn't talking about predestination, but rather he was saying that we are saved not by out own doing, but through Christ's sacrifice. I think too many people get caught up in the whole predestination thing (I do myself sometimes) and lose sight of what this passage is saying. It says that God chose to save us. This means that He knew we were going to screw up, He knew that we were going turn our backs on him, and He knew that some of us would reject him completely. But still knowing all of this, He decided he wanted to save us!!! That is crazy and it shows the unfathomable love that God has for us.
ReplyDeleteI'm reading a book right now that talks about how people's perception of God can be affected by their relationship with their Father, and I can't help but think that this is where a lot of people have a disconnect. Because they have such a bad relationship with their father, they can't fathom a God who loves us this much. I'm always amazed by the connections that are between our relationships with each other and our relationship with God.
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