Scripture Text: Ephesians 2:22
In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
Ephesians 2:22
What’s extremely amazing in our new reality in Christ is to belong into God’s own Kingdom. Remember what the Christ Himself has said, “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Ponder for a moment of this glorious reality that you have in Him. Dear saint, you who now cherish Christ as most [should be and must be], you who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. As priceless as it is, this is made sure because of the Son! Once we were hopeless, enemies of Him, and object of God’s coming wrath, but now part of this glorious Kingdom established by the Father Himself for the praise of His Son! Therefore, may we never forget that those who already found Christ (or founded by God in Christ), has all that they need and needs no more!
In continuation of what Paul has unfolded to the believers in Ephesus and to us as well, his present readers (2:19-21), we have learned that every believer, whether the OT saints who didn’t see Jesus’ face, or NT saints who has seen Jesus’ life, or the present saints, who believes even though they do not see, but has only heard and known, are full-fledged member of God’s own family. All are even part of God’s holy temple built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ, the Son of God as the cornerstone. There is something more to learn about this truth that the apostle Paul proclaims: “In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit (v.22)”. It has now been made clearer that God, the Majestic and Holy One, shall not dwell anymore only in the temple, just as how it has been in the old times [OT], but now to His people whom He is building together! The phrase ”being built” conveys the idea of an unstoppable growth or expansion. The body of Christ, whom where the Spirit dwells, consists of future believers whom God has already foreknew – those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. God’s people in Christ are being built together into a dwelling place for Himself presently in the Spirit. The process of expansion was clearly revealed from one chapter to another, as God’s redemptive plan unfolds towards its climax, which is the foundation of this zeal that God has – the sacrifice of the Son. Since God’s kingdom is founded in the finished work of the Son, the ongoing operation of redeeming a people for His own is therefore unchangeable and unstoppable, since it is the Spirit who will finish the task, as the Son returns and finally dwells with His people that are built together – from the OT times to the last number of believer.
Dear saint, we’ve been made alive in Christ and because of Christ! Remember therefore that according to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. And as you have received the Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you, you must keep in mind that we are the temple of the living God. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. What an astounding measure of grace for God to delight in dwelling in you! You who were once dead in trespasses and sin, you who were once disobedient by nature, you who were once hopeless, but now part of God’s kingdom, because of Christ! Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.
May your heart, dear saint, be truly captivated by this blessedness that you have in Him, and because of Him! May you find yourself, together with the psalmist, acclaiming, bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits! who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Ultimately, the enjoyment of God in Christ is the only joy and happiness with which our souls can be truly and magnificently satisfied.
Desire to know Him more, who has loved you unconditionally and eternally! Thirst and long for Him! Be in awe of Him—the darling of Heaven! He is all yours… He is all-perfect, all-holy, all-glorious!
Hear this then, dear saint: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Christ is all that we have! Christ is all that we need!
Take heart, dear saint!
Reflect
1. Have you now counted the adoption that you have to God’s own household or kingdom as priceless blessing (favor)?
2. Do you continue to grow in need of His grace?
3. Do you desire and long to love Him more, as you ought to be?
Remember
Every blessing from God and our Father are means to keep us back to our chief end—to glorify God and enjoy Him forever! Live your life therefore for the praise of His glory, and continue to live out your blessedness in Him!
Pray
Father in Heaven, I bless You for You have given me all that I need in this life – Your Son. For through Him I have received the right to become Your children, and in Him I have my kingdom citizenship. May this astounding measure of grace bring enablement to my heart to treasure and cherish Him as most. Thank You, Father, for saving me and bringing me to Your people that You are building together, and may my heart be with one accord to them, as we proclaim Your marvelous light in the face of Your Son. Again, Father, my soul bless You, and may You continually bless me of Your Son, in whose name I pray. Amen.
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