Pisgah Church of Christ

The book of Ephesians presents the church of Jesus Christ. “This is a great mystery; but I speak concerning Christ and the church.” Ephesians 5:32. An examination of this book reveals the true importance of the church. The church is a body of saints who are faithful to the Lord. Ephesians 1:1; Also see I Corinthians 1:2 and II Corinthians 1:1. The church has her existence both in Christ and in God. I Thessalonians 1:1 ; II Thessalonians 1:1. The church has access to the twin blessings of grace and peace. Ephesians 1:1. God, the Father, is blessed because He is the source of all spiritual blessings which have been bestowed upon the church. Ephesians 1:3.

The church has been chosen of God to be a holy and blameless people. Ephesians 1:3-5. See I Peter 2:1-10. Before the foundation of the world, God planned for us, the church, to be adopted as children. The church was an eternal plan of the eternal God. Ephesians 3:10-11. God through “great love” and “rich mercy” (Ephesians 2:4) “made us accepted in the beloved.” In His infinite “wisdom and prudence”, He provided redemption. Ephesians 1:7-11. The church is a redeemed people having received the “forgiveness of sins.” The blood of redemption was the purchase price of the church. Acts 20:28. The blood that cleanses the soul of sin purifies the church thereby gathering “together in one all things in Christ” and providing an eternal inheritance. See I Peter 1:1-4. This redemptive act was “according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his own will.” The church, therefore, is to the “praise of his glory.”

According to God’s grace, the church is saved through faith. Ephesians 2:1-10. Faith is the access of God’s amazing grace. Grace by obedient faith justifies the church of sin. Romans 5:1-2. Because of salvation and justification, the church rejoices with “joy unspeakable.” I Peter 1:8. Grace and faith work in unison to “create the workmanship of God.” God has so ordained. The church because of reconciliation has become a spiritual house. The church is the “household of God.” Ephesians 2:19. See I Timothy 3:15. Jesus Christ is the “cornerstone” of the church. Blood, grace, and faith have created a “holy temple in the Lord.”

Chapter four of Ephesians speaks of the unity of the church. “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Ephesians 4:4-6. The church comes into “the unity of the faith” by no longer being “carried about with every wind of doctrine” speaking only the truth. Ephesians 4:12-16. They who make up this united body have put off the “old man” and have put on the “new man”. A transformation of life has taken place. A life of holiness has replaced a life of corruption. Chapter 5 continues to describe the church as she “walks in the light.” The writer, Paul, speaks of the worth of the church. She is the “bride of Christ”. The church is subject to the authority of Christ as He is the “head of the church.” Ephesians 5:23 ; Ephesians 1:22-23. Christ is the “savior of the body” and “gave Himself for her.” Ephesians 5:23-25.

This inspired book of Ephesians displays the “glorious church” in God’s eternal plan of human redemption. The church is shown in her relationship to Christ and His relationship to the church. When Christ appears, this church, the redeemed of the ages, shall be delivered “unto God the Father.” I Corinthians 15:23-28. Thanks be unto God for the church of Christ.

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