Scripture Text: Ephesians 3:4-5
When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.
Ephesians 3:4-5
It has been said, and is worthy of repetition, that the very basis of our legitimate hope and glory as Christians is undeniably tied up to the apostle Paul’s legitimate apostleship and ministry. This is to say that all genuine believers in the present (even in the past), are part and fruit of the apostle’s ministry, as the Lord Himself has said that “he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.” And this truth must therefore bring a great deal of assurance and joy for those who have truly believed in the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, knowing that this gospel is from the Lord Himself who has commissioned His apostles [and disciples] to proclaim. It is very vital that the apostle Paul made a pause in his previous discussion in his epistle (1:1-2:22), to assure the believers in Ephesus (and to us as well), that these truths that they hold on to and placed their faith and hope are truly reliable, for this is from the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. And now, we who share in this same hope, who are not Jews by birth or by circumcision, we can continue in our unspeakable joy for we know that because of Christ and through Christ, we have this authentic heritage that will be fully revealed at the day of the Lord’s return.
We see in Paul’s brief writing what has not been fully revealed in the OT times. The OT Scriptures is subtly teaching the union of Jews and Gentiles on equal terms in the church. Also, the apostle explained this veiled or concealed truth profoundly and practically, not compromising its sound reliable truth and teaching: “When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit (vv.4-5)”. Paul not only brought the truth or the gospel faithfully to the believers in Ephesus, but through his legitimate apostleship and ministry, this brought insight as well to them. They are able to understand which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations (previous generations), but is fully revealed to them and completely understandable through the Spirit. While this mystery is not difficult to comprehend and apprehend, yet because of the apostle’s faithful teaching of this truth and his insight by the Spirit, believers are able to have this enabling perception of this magnificent truth about the Lord’s glorious work – how what He [the Lord] accomplished brought unity between God’s covenant people and the believing Gentiles.
Dear saint, since the apostle Paul’s ministry is legitimate or authentic, and he is really commissioned by the Lord to work for His kingdom, rejoice, for what we believe, our conviction and faith in the Lord’s finish work is truly reliable! Keep in mind that the veiled or concealed glorious truth, the precise mystery is fully revealed – that we, Gentiles, can become part of true Israel by identification with Christ. We need not to become Jews! Christ is now the only identifier for true Israelite. So rejoice, dear saint! Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
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. Do you possess a great assurance and conviction in the historicity and legitimacy of your Christian faith?
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, I come before You in the name of Your Son, thanking and praising You continually for Your abundant and never-ending grace. Thank You for this assurance that we have, where we can really rest all our hope. I humbly ask, Father, according Your steadfast love, please enlarge, strengthen, build my faith and hope. May I truly learn to cherish this blessedness that I have in Your Son, that I may not wander away from the truth that I am my Lord’s and my Lord, Your Son, is for me. Father, with much confidence, I will continue to trust You and Your answers, for I ask this in Your Son’ name, where all Your promises are yes and amen, Amen!
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