Ephesians 2: Summary

As we study the three main points of Paul's writings to Ephesus, what we were, what we are, and what we will be, we should be careful to think about how he presents our identity to us. This thought allows much to ponder.

First, New Testament writers such as Paul saw humanity as part of either the first Adam, or the second Adam (Jesus Christ), as explained in Romans 5:12-21).

Paul calls the Ephesian believers by many names:

saints (1:1 5:3 6:18)

adopted sons (1 :5)

those who hope in Chtist ( 1 : 12)

God's workmanship (2: 10)

fellow citizens of God's household (2: 19)

heirs and partakers of the Gospel (3 :6)

the body (3:6 4:16)

imitators of God ( 5: 1)

children of light (5:8)

slaves of Christ ( 6: 6)

servants of Christ ( 6 :21)

Do any of these terms describe you?

When we cannot decide whether we are sinners who are forgiven or saints who sin, we must focus upon the fact that our identity in Christ is first and foremost grounded in Jesus graciously coming to be identified with the helpless. He humbled Himself and became an earthly servant to inspire our heart and will to do the same.

Each of us is now in union with the Father through our acceptance in the righteousness of the Son (as we have none whatsoever on our own). Our knowledge of these things remains imperfect and incomplete because we are all still unfinished works in progress under the guidance of His Spirit indwelt in us. He continues daily to sanctify us.

Remember that this sanctification process is the slow but sure work of bending our human will to His divine will. Our perfect day is coming so rejoice and show that joy to the world. We are His.