Christ in Ephesians

Christ Connection - We Are Blessed in Him

The phrase "in heavenly places in Christ" appears five times in Ephesians (1:3, 1:20, 2:6, 3:10, 6:12). It is a key to understanding Paul’s vision. We are not blessed because we are good or strong. We are blessed because we are in Christ, and Christ is enthroned in the heavenly places. His position becomes our position. His blessings flow to us because of our union with Him. Colossians 1:16-20 and Philippians 2:9-11 echo this: Christ is seated far above all rule and author…

Christ Connection - Made Alive with Him

Even in this dark opening, Paul has already used a word that points to the gospel: "quickened." This verb does not appear alone. It appears always with Christ. You are quickened "with Christ." Jesus rose from the dead; believers rise with Him. The diagnosis of death is real, but it is not final. The Gospel is that death is reversible - if you are united to the One who conquered it.

Christ Connection - The Mystery Revealed in Christ

Colossians 1:26-27 speaks of "the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints… which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Christ Himself is the mystery. His incarnation, His cross, His resurrection - these enact the breaking down of every barrier. The wall between Jew and Gentile stood for centuries. Through Christ, it is gone. And that same Christ indwells you.

Christ Connection - The Ascension as the Pouring Out of Gifts

Christ’s ascension is often pictured as Him leaving. But in Ephesians 4, the ascension is the moment Christ begins distributing gifts to the church. "He ascended, therefore He gave." The ascended Christ is the giver. The Holy Spirit is sent as His gift (John 14:16; Acts 2:33). Spiritual gifts flow from His ascended person. When you receive a spiritual gift, you are receiving something the ascended Christ has given you.

Christ Connection - Christ’s Love as Sacrifice

Jesus is "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). His death is an "offering and a sacrifice" - the same language Paul uses here. In Ephesians 5:2, the measure is not how much you deserve to be loved, but how much Christ was willing to give. He emptied Himself. He died. He rose. And He did all of it for you. That is the love you are called to walk in.

Christ Connection - Masters Under a Master

Christ is the Master of all masters. He is the one before whom every earthly authority will give account. The master who understands this will lead not through fear and threats, but through the example of Christ - who came not to be served, but to serve (Matt. 20:28). He will treat his servants with dignity because he knows that they, like him, bear the image of God.