ntephesians, the complete book on one file

Caution to students of God's Word - Please remember two things when using our studies: #1. Our commentary is not God's Word. It is only our interpretation or understanding of "His Word" and even though we try our best to be accurate we may or may not be correct. #2. The King James translation, or any other translation, of the original Hebrew text has some words which were given different translations at different places probably because of the interpreters preconceived ideas of what they think God meant to say. For example: According to the notes in the "Dake's Annotated Reference Bible" the Hebrew word hayah in the KJV is Trans. (became) 67 times, (becamest or came to pass) 505 times, (become) 66 times, and (come to pass) 131 times, but for some reason in Genesis 1:2 it is translated (was)! That sure changes the way a person perceives the original creation of the earth, doesn't it? Gen. 1:2 And the earth was (became) without form, ... Having said that, let us continue with our "Key Knowledge" lessons. These are pamphlets containing knowledge, we believe, you must have to fully and accurately unlock and understand the Word of God.

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John 15:26
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

John 16:13-14
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

This Bible Study was originally written by Roger Christopherson,
published at http://www.theseason.org/

Without the leading by the Holy Spirit, there is no understanding of the truths, for all the truth of the Scriptures are revealed to us by God's Spirit.

Ephesians is the second of Paul's text-books of doctrinal instruction for the believers in our present dispensation or age. The book of Romans told us all the truths concerning the standing of the sinner in Christ, as having died and risen with Him. Ephesians, now brings us beyond Romans, in that the sinner not only died and rose again in Christ, but now in God's sight and purpose, is seated with Christ in the heavenlies.

Where Romans ends with a reference to the revelation to the "mystery", Ephesians takes that "revelation of a mystery", and reveals that mystery to us. The book of Ephesians has it's foundation in the first eight chapters of Romans.

This "mystery", or "great secret" that Paul is to reveal, for this age or dispensation only, is called the "dispensation of Grace". The secret was that all "individual sinners amongst Jew and Greek alike, are called the "called out ones". Upon repentance, all these converts are formed into "the body of Christ", also referred to as "His Church". Once that sinner enters into the "body of Christ", they all become a member or part of that one body, for there is neither Jew nor Gentile in that body; but Christian.

The purpose of Christ's Church exists to "praise the glory of God's grace throughout all eternity", to be the future rulers and priests in God's eternal kingdom. This is the secret kept from before the foundations of this earth age. This earth age is a preparation time for Christians to learn through God's word the will of God, and to get ourselves ready for service in His will or plan. We become prepared by what Paul calls, "putting on the whole armor of God".

That "armor of God" is the only protection that the Christian who lives in this final generation of this earth age, can ever expect to stand against Satan, and resist taking Satan, the spurious messiah's name, number and mark. If we accept any part of the false-christ's system, or his deceptions, we are making ourselves useless to our Heavenly Father's service; for then we will have ceased allowing the Holy Spirit of God to speak through us; when we shall be "delivered up before the synagogues of Satan", as spoken of in Mark 13:11.

Ephesians 1:1 "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus; and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:"

The word "apostle" in the Greek means "one sent by God". Paul was called by Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus, when he was struck down and blinded. This was the will of God that this should be done. This book of Ephesians is not for everyone, but "to the saints, and those faithful to Christ Jesus". The "saints" are the "set aside ones", or also called "God's elect".

The book of Ephesians covers a long period of time; the entire period of Grace, including our time of preparation, getting us ready for the spiritual battles all of God's elect will face during the false-christ's [Satan's] reign on earth, with the rest of his demonic forces.

Ephesians 1:2 "Grace be to you and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ."

Once you are called, you will never be satisfied again with the traditions of men. Grace and peace are two of the gifts given to His elect when they turn from their sins, to "God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ."

Ephesians 1:3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:"

Because Christ, upon His resurrection went to the right hand of the Father. Now we have a mediator sitting there at the right hand of God the Father. That throne is the center of all power, and is the giver of all spiritual blessings.

The "blessing in heavenly places" refers to more then you and me living in this present earth age. As II Peter 3 points out, there are three earth ages, and three Heaven ages. Verses five and six are talking about the age that was; before this earth "became" a ruin, as spoken of in Genesis 1:2. That heaven and earth are past; and it is because of what happened in that age, that we are all living in the flesh in this earth age.

II Peter 3:7 tells us this earth age now, which is the second one, will perish following the day of judgment, at the end of this age, and a new heaven and a new earth will then be established. The third earth age will be eternal. This understanding of the three earth ages have to be understood before you can understand the fourth verse of Ephesians.

Ephesians 1:4 "According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love:"

It means that there are certain people that has God chosen in the first earth age, to do a task for Him in this flesh earth age. This is not reincarnation, for it is appointed for each of us to go through this earth age, the flesh earth age, once and only once. We read; "...It is appointed unto men once to die [in the flesh], but after this the judgment." Hebrews 9:27 This appointing and choosing took place before the foundation of this earth age; the second earth age [cosmos] that we now live in.

"Without blame" refers to the fact that God intercedes in certain peoples lives. Some other people still have free will, while certain others are of God's election, however, God doesn't play favorites. Christ died for the sins of all who will repent; the chosen, and the free-will. All must repent for sins they commit, and love the Lord Jesus Christ, to have the hope of His glory.

"Before the foundation of the world", [cosmos in the Greek, meaning world or earth age.] The "foundation" in the Greek text, is the verb for, "the overthrow". This refers to something that happened in that first earth age, before the overthrow of Lucifer, who is now called Satan, and his angels that followed him, during his overthrow of God attempt.

When Satan fell [war against God], one third of all of us angelic beings [God's children, i.e. our brothers] followed Satan. Then during that war, there were some who fought against Satan, and those who did, God calls "His Chosen". They took a stand, and were overcomers in that first earth age.

Have you ever wondered why you do the things that you do, at times. It's just like you have a destiny. You have always felt their is more to life, and this world, then what you have been taught. Paul addresses this in Romans 8:27. In verse twenty six it says that there are times in your life when the Holy Spirit makes intercession for you because you don't even know what to pray for.

"And he that searcheth the heart knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God." Romans 8:27 These saints are "the set-aside ones", or "the chosen". God has a overall plan, and a purpose in that plan just for you. That purpose is to bring back His children to Him; after that overthrow attempt, and in this earth age. You see, when God places us in this flesh and blood body, during this 2nd earth age He temporarily wipes our our memory of our life in the 1st earth age.

Why would God intercede in a person's life, without them even asking? When your free-will goes against God's purpose for your life, God will intercede. When Paul's "free will" was to destroy all Christians, God's will was to take this highly educated man, and use Paul as the instrument for Him. Paul used the same drive to destroy Christians, that he used later to convert people, after his conversion.

We read that the Lord said; "...For He is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and Kings, and children of Israel:" Acts 9:15

Ephesians 1:5 "Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,"

"Predestined" means "from a prior time", or "required to do a certain thing" in the Greek text. You have a choice of loving God, or loving Satan. God will not interfere with your free will choice to chose Him or Satan. However, those persons that proved themselves during the overthrow of Satan, were "justified", or earned the right to be called "saints", from that first earth age.

Each soul comes from God, and enters an embryo at conception, but that time of conception is not the beginning of each of our existence. We are older, much older (to put in a perspective you can understand) much older than the dinosaurs from the first earth age. This is why Jeremiah was a chosen one. "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou comest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet of nations." Jeremiah 1:5 Yes, God knew Jeremiah in the age of the dinosaurs!

"Sanctified" thee, is to "set aside, or apart for a purpose". Sins still have to be repented, and the price to pay for them still had to be made. To the predestined, and fore chosen, God can make life so miserable to those out of His will that they will repent. God has a perfect will, and God is always fair.

"And we know that all things work together for good, to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 This verse is directed to a certain people, with a condition attached. This applies to "them who are called according to His purpose." "His purpose" is called God's plan, and God's overall plan is the offering of Salvation to all. That plan includes the teaching of God's Word during this 2nd earth age; to plant seeds to convict; to live our life for Him; and to go and speak where God leads you. God will use you as it pleases Him.

"For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren." Romans 8:29 God knew you, and what you were in that first earth age; and then [in that first earth age] God prearranged our destiny for this age. That destiny is to make us conform, or be like His Son, Jesus Christ. Though Jesus is the first fruits to overcome death, there are many that have that victory over death, through Christ's death and resurrection.

"Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called: He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified." Romans 8:30 "Justified" means "judged" in the Greek text; God judged them there in that first earth age, and that is why God can and does intercede in the chosen's ones lives. The justified are to be the priests of the Zadok in the millennium age of Ezekiel 40, for the word Zadok comes from the Hebrew word meaning "the just".

Certain of God's children stood against Satan in the first earth age, and those that did stand, and did not follow Satan; God judged [justified], and He "chose" them then to be used in His eternal plan. Through God's perfect plan, God "predestined", and "ordained" each of them to His purpose to be used in this flesh age. Each of these will also be used in the Millennium age as priests, or called the "Zadok".

When you become a Christian, and God has given you a working over, He is trying to wake you up. God is calling out a people, His people, the "Elect-chosen, and predestined" to stand against the false-christ [Satan] in this final generation.

"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31 "What things"? The things mentioned in verses 27-30. The knowledge that God has judged the overcomers, and chose them for the purpose of fulfilling His plan; then predestined those overcomers to a service, not only in this flesh age, but the millennium age to come. They will be the priests [Zadok] then.

Let's return now to Ephesians, now that we have the background of predestination explained by Paul, in Romans. We were predestined to be the adopted children of God, by what Jesus Christ did on the cross. This is exactly what God's plan [His will] is designed to do. Being in the flesh body, we all will fall short, however, through repentance we are drawn back to Him, and into God's will for us.

Ephesians 1:6 "To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the Beloved:"

The "Beloved" is Christ, the firstfruit, and first born to the Heavenly kingdom of God.

Ephesians 1:7 "In Whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace,"

Ephesians 1:8 "Wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;"

"Prudence" is insight. God has given us "redemption", or forgiveness from all our sin's, through Jesus Christ's death on the cross, and His shed blood. The grace God now gives us, opens our minds, and through His Spirit, we are given the "wisdom" and "insight" to understand all the mysteries, and hidden wisdom that the rest of the world calls foolishness. God has given you the gift of wisdom, insight, understanding, and the ability to use common sense. This is all part of our gospel armor, necessary for these end times.

Ephesians 1:9 "Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself;"

The "mystery of His will", is that which we just studied from Romans 8:27-31. That mystery is the fact that God does have a plan, and certain overcomers of the first earth age were then predestined, and ordained for God's service in this earth age, and also in the Millennium age to come. It is God who allows this to happen, and purposed it within Himself.

Peter gave Paul credentials as he wrote in II Peter 3:15, that the wisdom the Peter revealed was first written by Paul. That wisdom is concerning the three earth ages, whereby the chosen were prejudged, and purposed by God to be of service in this earth age, and the next. Then in II Peter 3:16 Peter says; "As also in all his [Paul's] epistles [letters], speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned, and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction."

Those that God has called, are given the will to learn, and the wisdom and insight to understand; where as the unlearned and unstable in the Lord, just don't get it. They just don't have the eyes to see, nor ears to hear and understand the deeper meanings.

Ephesians 1:10 "That in the dispensation of the fulness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him:"

What dispensation? The dispensation from both the first age, and the present earth age; right up to the time of Jesus Christ's return. That is called the "fullness of time". In the fullness of time all of God's people will be gathered back to Jesus Christ. And we will all, both those saints in heaven now, and those who will live to see Jesus Christ's return at the seventh trumpet, will be drawn and gathered to Christ. Has God called you to Him?

Ephesians 1:11 "In Whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him Who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will:"

With out God's intercession, Paul would not have been the leader in the Church that he was. When Paul changed from working against God to working for God; He remained the same strength of character; bold and willing to stand against any man, even kings. Paul's mission changed from killing Christians to making Christians. Paul had no free will on the road to Damascus! Paul was predestined.

The "inheritance" that we obtain, is in the predestined plan of God. The inheritance is to the chosen, those who were overcomers, and God judged [justified] them then, and predestined them to His service in this age. The inheritance is being the Zadok in the Millennium, and that inheritance is our eternal life. What your full inheritance is will be according to God's predestined plan for you, and how you work to fulfill your part of that service. God is in control, and He controls His election [the elect].

It comforts me to know God is in control, even as the one world system comes into force, and Satan's, as the false-christ's, rule will soon be total. God set the limits of his powers, and the God even shortened the time that Satan will have to rule. However, his rule has no power over God's elect, because every last one of God's chosen will see right through Satan's tricks and deceit.

Ephesians 1:12 "That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ."

To be God's elect does not mean your better than all others; it means you going to do God's work. God has a rich inheritance for all those who are faithful to His work. "We", used in this verse, and those prior, are those who are predestined in the first earth age. Our goal and glory should all be to glorify our Lord Jesus Christ, in all the work we do in our flesh age, for God.

Ephesians 1:13 "In Whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in Whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise,"

The "ye" in this verse, are those who heard God's word and believed. They are not the predestined ones. When they believed, God sealed each of them with His Holy Spirit "of promise". That promise is the inheritance of eternal life. There is no difference between the inheritance of the predestined soul, and the soul that heard the Gospel of Christ, then believed and repented. However, there is a difference in the positions that the elect will hold in the Millennium temple. Ezekiel 44 describes the difference in the inheritance; it is in the area of ownership with respects to land, and the location to the throne of Jesus Christ.

The "Zadok" simply will not be given land, because they do not need it. They will all be in the priestly services of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 1:14 "Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory."

"The earnest" is a pledge from God to us. "Our inheritance" is the gift from God to you and I, the Christians, of the "new nature" [our new spirit], and this is a pledge also from God for future gifts in the same kind. It is a total commitment which can not be broken, thus making this inheritance different from any other pledge ordinarily given.

The pledge in earnest is the same as the term "sealing". It is a legal term. God is creating His contract with us, the Christian, and God will fulfill that pledge, or covenant. The sealing of God's covenant is by giving to us His Spirit to dwell within us, and those other gifts He may also give to us. Our "earnest money", so to speak, is to fulfill our part of the agreement, and our part is to repent and believe in His Son, Jesus Christ; who is the actual one who paid the price to fulfill God's contract between Him and us.

We reap the inheritance, while Jesus Christ paid the price, and gets all the glory for it.

Ephesians 1:15 "Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,"

In other words, Paul is saying that he heard how all the Ephesian Saints became Christians.

Ephesians 1:16 "Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;"

Paul is like a father to them; this Church was built on Paul's work. Paul was close to them, and with a continuous tie to them.

Ephesians 1:17 "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him:"

Paul's prayer for the Ephesians, was that the almighty Father would give to them the spirit of wisdom and revelation. Paul wanted all of them to understand all levels of wisdom of all three ages, and exactly what their inheritance included. When you know and understand your inheritance; it becomes precious and valuable to you. That wisdom and revelation can only come to you by the Spirit of God; the Holy Spirit.

This "foreknowledge" of God, is the knowledge of what went on prior to this present earth [flesh] age. This we discussed in verses four through eleven. Review, and pray God will clear our minds, to fully understand Paul's teaching.

Ephesians 1:18 "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened, that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,"

"Israel" [all the tribes] will be God's inheritance [the peculiar treasure of Exodus 19:5] on this earth. That time is at the acceptance of Jesus Christ by them. The Church is the body of Jesus Christ, and this body is Christ's inheritance in heaven. At the seventh trumpet, the entire inheritance of Christ [the Church] will dwell with Jesus Christ right here on earth.

Paul is praying that you, as part of that body, or inheritance, will know the hope and riches we do have as being part of Christ's inheritance in His kingdom. If God has called you through His Spirit, and a light comes on, don't resist Him. In that calling there is eternal hope, riches, and eternal peace.

Ephesians 1:19 who believe, according to the working of His mighty power,""And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward

You must close the eyes of the flesh, to open the eyes of the Spirit. The two simply cannot be compared. It is from the Father that we get the desire even to seek after Him.

God's "power" is His help given to us. Paul is telling us, it is only by God's mighty power, or special help, given to only His own that we are able to comprehend God's mighty acts. Most of the world looks at God's work in the Bible as a series of fairy-tales, and unbelievable stories.

Ephesians 1:20 "Which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places,"

Ephesians 1:21 "Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:"

Get a hold of that, friend; By Christ being placed at the right hand of the Father, Jesus Christ has power over all kings and nations, and dominions, and persons in this world age, and the next. When Jesus Christ completed His work on the cross, and arose out of the tomb, God placed Him over all ---everything. Through Jesus Christ we have the power over all also, including Satan [the false-christ], because God gave it to you. So assume the power! The authority for that authority is given to us through God's Word, but we must claim it.

Ephesians 1:22 "And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the Head over all things to the church,"

Ephesians 1:23 "Which is His body, the fulness of Him That filleth all in all."

Jesus Christ's true church is not a building, and it is not a denomination; but it is made up of all the true believers, with God's Holy Spirit in there hearts and minds. In Acts 2 we read of the beginning of this body of believers, who when they spoke, every one heard and understood in their own language and even in their local dialect.

That body of Christ of true believers has grown, and in these last days, we are told by Joel, and Jesus in Mark 13, that it will happen again just as on the day of Pentecost. Acts 2:6,7 tell us that when the true spirit speaks, there is no confusion, "because every man heard them speak in his own language". In the Greek text, "dialektos", or as we say dialect. This is why everyone was "amazed and marvelled". That is right, right down to the very town and neighborhood they came from, and were born in.

I simply haven't heard of that happening yet, but it will happen soon. The evidence of the Holy Spirit is this tongue. It is those, with the foreknowledge of what happened before, and those sons and daughters within the body of Christ that will perform at the appointed time, as it is written in Mark 13:11.

Denominationalism has nothing to do with Christ's true body, but it is made up of those with the revelation, truth, wisdom, and the seal [knowledge] of the Living God.

Ephesians 2:1 "And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;"

"Quickened" means "made alive spiritually". Any time someone is in this flesh body, and without Christ, they will sin. Even with Christ they will sometimes sin. That is the way of the world.

Ephesians 2:2 "Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:"

"Ye" are all those not called, and predestined in that first earth age, discussed in Verses 1:4, 13. The "world" is this "Cosmos" or world age; and the "prince of the power of the air" is Satan. The "Children of disobedience" are not only the Kenites [the offspring of Satan through their father "Cain"], but all those who hate or deny Christ. However, "children" used in the Greek text here is "Hebraism", not disobedient children, but "physical sons of Satan". It is also in an adoptive sense, those who allow Satan to parent them, and do the work of Satan.

These "sons of disobedience" are the same persons as the tares of Matthew 13, that Jesus spoke about. In fact Jesus stated that if you don't understand the parable of the sower and the tares, you will not understand any of His parables.

That means, by Jesus' explanation, that after that good seed was sown, in the night [secret] the evil one [Satan] came and sowed his seed also. Both the good seed and the bad seed looked about the same, and grew up together; However, at harvest time, the tares were poisonous and had to be separated.

Then in Matthew 13:35-41 Jesus explains to His disciples this parable. The good seed were placed in the field [world] by God. These seed are people. Satan [who is the devil or evil one] planted the tares, or evil seed through Eve, and the final product of that union [sexual] was "Cain". The "Kenites" are the physical offspring of Cain. This is identified in Strong's Hebrew Dictionary #7014, and #7017. Thus Paul's reference to them in Ephesians 2:2 as the "Children of disobedience".

This second verse is talking about walking in the world with these sons of Cain, the Kenites, and allowing them to lead you. They control the perversions, lies, and deceit controlling through this evil "spirit" of Satan [the prince of the power of the air.]

Ephesians 2:3 "Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others."

Here Paul points out that all, even Paul was born in the flesh, and converted out of it. When you are in the flesh, your drives, your mind, and even your nature was to fill all the desires and drives of the flesh. Paul is saying, your nature was even as the "Kenites", the offspring of Satan; until the Holy Spirit touched you and opened your mind, and you were incapable of understanding spiritual matters. Then the Holy Spirit replaced your evil drives with righteousness. Your work for God is essential to fulfill the acts of righteousness for God.

Ephesians 2:4 "But God, Who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us,"

We can understand a parents love for their children and grandchildren; However, God's love is far beyond the human mind. A love so great that our Father, allowed His Son to be degraded to the fleshly form; then to suffer the insult and pain, as well as the degradation, and die. He did all this just so you and I would have that choice, to choose Jesus Christ, and receive the gift, absolutely free, that our eternal Father offers to each of us.

If you can start to understand that love, then you will have a glimpse of the mercy He is showing to you and me. This is a personal thing, for in the eternity, you will either be part of God's plan, and have accepted God's mercy; or, you just will not exist in any form, not even in the memory of your loved ones.

Ephesians 2:5 "Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)"

God's great love and mercy so loved us, even when we were dead to His true Spirit; God still loved us. When He had no reason to, or we had any value to Him, He still loved His own so much that He sent His own Son, Jesus Christ to "quicken us", and make us alive and give our soul a new eternal life. This is exactly how a parent reaches out to his son [daughter], regardless how troubled the child is, or even when that child knows right from wrong.

Why? Because that parent loves and corrects his child in the ways he knows are right. Our Heavenly Father reaches out also in like manner to His children, because His love is constant towards us.

Ephesians 2:6 "And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:"

At your conversion, Christ had already prepared the way so that when Jesus Christ went to the right hand of the Father, you were given the connection right to the throne of God. Our connection is through the working of the Holy Spirit of God working in and through each of God's children. That, my friend, is clout in the highest place.

Remember back in verse 1:18 where it said; When you believe in Christ, He will give you the understanding of the hope [salvation] that we have in Christ. You become part of Jesus Christ's inheritance, given by the Father, when you become an active part of God's plan of salvation.

Ephesians 2:7 "That in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus:"

This is to say; "in the world age to come"; in the millennium age and on into eternity ; the Heavenly Father is going to give His children riches far beyond your mind could ever imagine.

Friend, this love, riches, and kindness you are in fact going to receive, is going to happen only because of what Jesus Christ did on the cross for you, and I. Have you thanked Him for that grace. Grace is God's riches at Christ's expense. It's a gift.

Ephesians 2:8 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:"

Grace is the source, and faith is the means by which we obtain the grace of God. It is through our faith that we believe. Faith is the action that causes us to do what we do, and comes by our acting on our belief. That action we take, because of our belief, is sustained by our confidence in God, that when we do what we are asked to do, He will fulfill His promises to us.

Faith needs a focal point to activate, and Jesus Christ and the Word of God is that focal point. With God's promises, and teachings in our mind, we have the firm foundation to act upon. Faith is not stagnate, it is action. We do not act blindly, but our actions are based on a solid foundation: the Word of God.

The "confidence" we have has no hesitation, for because of God's commitment to us, through His Word, we in turn have that same sure commitment to our "faith" in God. That faith in God then takes us to God's "grace", His unmerited favor, and forgiveness to each of us. Even though we fall short.

Many people take this verse and say "works will not save you". That is true. It is God's grace that brings about salvation. By yourself, you simply are not able to do anything to earn God's salvation from sin, and it's penalty.

This Ephesians 2 stresses, as Christians, we are fellow servants, and workers in Christ, and that our works will not save us, salvation just doesn't come that way. It is God that gives us all that we have, such as the gift of teaching, or as prayer warriors, or singing, or even laboring and planting seeds of God's word in the minds of others. Even being helpful with the "kind attitude" and a smile to lift others, is a gift. What ever that gift might be, we can't take credit for it, for all the credit and glory goes to the Father, and to His Word, our Lord Jesus Christ.

If you don't belief that, why would you spend any time in His work, or even call yourself a Christian. For, to you, your faith would be in a dead man. So any works you perform are all part of God's overall plan, and what ever gifts and works you do must fit into that plan. You do the works because you are saved, and not to be saved. Get it? Then in performing those works, God rewards His children for being faithful.

As we do our work, it is the Holy Spirit that directs and develops our working gifts that they can be used effectively.

Ephesians 2:10 "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

There are those who say; "grace is all I need". The warning to us, is to stay clear of them. Their "faith" is dead, as there is no action in their belief, and definitely no confidence in the work or words of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is not pleased with "lazy Christians". He doesn't have much use for their unfruitfulness.

"Workmanship" means God's "handiwork". God made each of us for a purpose, and that purpose is to do good works. This isn't something that happened overnight, but God "before ordained", before you were even conceived, God had plans for your good works to be used in His overall plan.

Ephesians 2:11 "Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;"

In the time prior to Christ's death on the cross, there was no hope for the uncircumcised. Those of the circumcision were those of the "whole house of Israel", all the tribes or offspring of Jacob. When Christ died on the cross, the veil at the "holy of holies" in the Temple was rent [split] in two, and all peoples and races in the world, Jew and Gentile alike were offered God's gift of salvation. The door is open to you today.

The other side of this is the fact that many of the Israelites, scattered in 722 B.C. by the Assyrians, were lost, and didn't even know they were Israel, with the promises God gave to Abraham. Now, thousands of years later, their offspring are just as lost as their forefathers. The only trace these ten tribes have of their past is the fact they call themselves "Caucasians", after the event of escaping captivity through the Caucasus mountains, and migrating to the west under many different names. Today these offspring of Israel even call themselves "Gentile", and they attribute the name Caucasian to be a race, instead of the recording of an event.

Ephesians 2:12 "That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world."

Until Jesus Christ died on the cross, that is exactly how we were. That was the purpose of Christ's death, He went immediately to those who were prisoners in the grave, who had no hope, or any way to free themselves. There He preached the same message of salvation to them that we now have today, and salvation was made available all the way back to Noah.

Ephesians 2:13 "But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ."

If anyone should love Jesus Christ, it would be the Gentiles in the flesh. Now through the blood of Jesus Christ we can all enter into that heavenly place.

Ephesians 2:14 "For he is our peace, Who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;"

The partition in the old Temple separated the Israelites [Jews, included] from the Gentiles. At Christ's death on the cross, the earth shook, and the vial in the Temple was split in two, from top to bottom, as recorded in Matthew 27:51. All barriers came down that blocked any person from approaching God through His Son, Jesus Christ. That wall of separation, separated the outer court from the inner court, and a Gentile could not walk past that wall. God's approach was through the holy of Holies, in the inner court, and the forgiveness of sins was only possible through the blood sacrifices offered there.

When Jesus shed His blood, all the blood sacrifices ended. Jesus Christ was the only sacrifice necessary to cover all sin, both then and now. Jesus is now the Temple, and when we are in Christ we become part of that body of Christ, or Temple.

Ephesians 2:15 "Having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace;"

In other words; there is only one temple, one family, one way through Jesus Christ. If you think it means "the law doesn't matter anymore", your wrong. The key to the understanding of this verse is stated, "contained in ordinances". There is a difference between "the law", and "ordinances within the law".

This verse is directed to the ordinance of "blood sacrifice", also called "the daily sacrifices" that are within the law. These blood sacrifices are not required anymore. ever, because Jesus Christ's blood sacrificed on the cross satisfied completely that part of the law, before our Heavenly Father. Jesus was, and is the perfect sacrifice. See Hebrews 10.

Ephesians 2:16 "And that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:"

Ephesians 2:17 "And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh."

Jesus preached His message to all flesh, Israelite and Gentile alike. Paul's ministry was directed wholly to the Gentile nations, and the lost "House of Israel", but, not the Jews [Acts 9:15].

Ephesians 2:18 "For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father."

Ephesians 2:19 "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;"

Because of Jesus Christ's shed blood, we are fellow citizens in Christ's kingdom, His body, with all the other saints.

Ephesians 2:20 "And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone;"

The Apostles are those of the New Testament; while the Prophets were the teachers in the Old Testament. Jesus Christ is the foundation, and the "fit Temple" for all of God's children who seek after Him, in any age.

The "Chief corner stone" is the stone which all dimensions of the entire structure are measured to, and now in the Temple of God, Christ is that "chief corner stone". When we partition to the Father now, we must ask in the name of Jesus Christ, for there is none other.

Ephesians 2:21 "In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy Temple in the Lord:"

In both the Old and New Testament Christ is named the center of the structure, the cap-stone of the Temple. The Temple of today is in two parts; one is false, and one is true. The "false temple" will be built shortly in Jerusalem, in fact is already being built, and it will be from that temple that Satan will rule as the false-christ, over his world religious system. The way many Christians are taught today in their churches, when the false-christ sits there they will actually believe and worship him as Jesus Christ. However, the spurious messiah or false-christ is a fake and a counterfeit; he is Satan himself claiming to be Christ, watchout! The temple, being built today, with the help of many so-called Christian churches, is the Temple that Christ will destroy at his return!

There will not be one "little stone", i.e. Satan and his followers, left standing atop of another; only our "Rock", Jesus Christ and His faithful, i.e. those who endure til the end, will rule.

When Jesus Christ came out of the tomb, He became our "True Temple", and His word is that Temple "fitly framed together". You need no other Temple than Jesus Christ, and in the Millennium age another Temple will be constructed from where Christ will rule and teach the world.

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Let's talk for a minute about that new Temple Jesus Christ will build (The following is an excerpt from Ezekiel 40:4-5) IF YOU MISS these verses (Ezekiel 40:4-5), the rest of the Book of Ezekiel 1 Cor. 2:14 " But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. If you miss these verses you will think that the new temple that is to be built will be ade out of Brinks And Mortor; but NO IT IS SPIRITUAL!!!!
If you're part of Christ's Temple Rev. 21:15 And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. Do you suppose that the angel Ezekiel just met is going to "measure" the city, the gates, the rooms, and the wall so that we just know what size and how big everything is?

Ezekiel, use your spiritual eyes to see, and your spiritual ears to hear, and understand with your spiritual mind to discern what I am about to show you!

Question: Do you believe the Millennial temple described here in Ezekiel is going to be a physical building, as in a structure, made of bricks and mortar? I rather think all the things we are told in the rest of Ezekiel are a vision Ezekiel sees of a temple our Lord has him describe in physical terminology to help us see into that spiritual dimension.

Now notice the very first thing Ezekiel SEES... behold a WALL round about the Temple.

[5] And behold a wall on the outside of the house round about,...

There will be a WALL around the Temple (that true temple being Christ) all during the Millennium. We know that the Glory of God is returning to the temple, even Jesus Christ, but the "spiritually dead" cannot partake of that "Tree of Life" until after the 1000 years is finished. Thus, there will be a "wall" or barrier between them and Christ (See Ezek. 43:8 now or wait until we get there.). In other words, those who were not part of the first resurrection cannot approach Christ and receive eternal life until the time of second resurrection, the Great White Throne Judgment.

Right now, during this dispensation of grace, when many do not even believe that God exists, all who WILL can approach Christ and enter the Holy of Holies, but during the Millennium that will not be the case. For everyone SHALL KNOW that He is Lord, for they shall see His Glory, but they must "learn" and "want" of their own free will to follow Him and His ways and not Satan and his ways. They will have NO CHOICE but to learn and follow His ways during the Millennium. (That's where we will see the Zadok and the saints of the 1st Resurrection come in.) After that, Satan will be released for a short season when they can PROVE on their own whether they still want to or not! THEN... the judgment!

[5... continued] and in the man's hand a measuring reed of six cubits long by the cubit and an hand breadth: so he measured the breadth of the building, one reed; and the height, one reed.

To understand this verse and its profound significance, one must know that a cubit is made up of 6 hand breadths. But LOOK, the cubit used here has an ADDED hand breadth, a SEVENTH one! The number "7" in Biblical Numerics means "Spiritual Perfection" (see appendix 10 in the Companion Bible). Since the reed used here is one seventh larger than that used in Solomon's Temple, this gives the Millennium Temple an ADDED DIMENSION and that dimension and the measurements thereof are SPIRITUAL. Behold? (Remember, during the Millennium, which is the Lord's Day, the Sabbath Day, the 7th Day, we will all be in our spiritual bodies.) To understand the significance of this, remember in John 20:19 & 26 how Jesus after being born back into his spiritual body didn't need open doors in order to enter a room. Therefore; of what purpose would a brick and mortar wall serve?.

Let's recap what we have learned so far from the first five verses which, if you noticed, ALL contain something spiritual, or "supernatural", to set the stage from the beginning that what we are going to read in the closing Millennial Chapters of the Book of Ezekiel is spiritual not physical.

1. The hand of God came upon Ezekiel and took him in "visions" to "eretz Israel", the land of Israel, and set him upon the "north side" of the highest mountain where he was looking south.
2. He was then taken to the temple where a celestial being was waiting with measuring tools to be his spiritual instructor and SIZE-UP the temple for his understanding.
3. The angel then told Ezekiel to get his eyes and ears open and discern what he is about to be shown, then teach it to the house of Israel.
4. Then, the first thing Ezekiel was shown was a WALL outside the temple.
5. Ezekiel, now with his eyes open, saw that the measuring reed used by the angel was one seventh larger than usual and the wall was one reed by one reed.

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The next part of the vision Ezekiel is going to be shown is the "east gate" which lies at the top of the "seven steps".

Ezekiel 40:6
Then came he unto the gate which looketh toward the east, and went up the stairs thereof, and measured the threshold of the gate, which was one reed broad; and the other threshold of the gate, which was one reed broad.

We will reserve our discussion of the significance of this for now. Meanwhile, as we go through the measurements of the temple it would perhaps be helpful if you had an illustration of its layout. If you have a Companion Bible, you will find this illustration in appendix 88.

What a privilege it is that our Father allows us to be able to see into the future.

These last nine chapters in Ezekiel, the book written to the appointed watchmen in this final generation, are truly exciting, for amidst the measurements, much delicious "hidden manna" is found which tells us precisely what the Millennium will be like and what the various peoples will be doing during those 1000 years, i.e. both those people who were part of the First Resurrection and those who didn't make it and so must prepare themselves in order to be part of the Second Resurrection or else be sentenced to perish with the son of perdition in the lake of fire.

We must remember as we read these final chapters that the 7th Trump has already sounded and ALL mankind including the good, the bad, and the ugly, have been changed into spiritual, incorruptible bodies, some having received immortality along with the change of body and the rest remaining "liable to die", i.e. retaining the mortal status of their souls (See 1 Cor. 15:50-55).

One of the precious truths we will uncover in chapter 43 is that the very Throne of God along with that beautiful sparkling rainbow prism called the Shekinah Glory which surrounds the Lord GOD, yes, that VERY THRONE that Ezekiel saw and described in chapter one, is going to return in the same manner as it appeared to Ezekiel along the River Chebar and enter into the east gate. Do you remember what that throne was aboard? It was aboard the Chariot of Israel (2 Kings 2:12), the highly polished spectrum metal circular flying vehicle bearing the standards of the tribes of Israel, i.e. the Lion, the Ox, the Man, and the Eagle (See Num. 2).

Ephesians 2:22 "In Whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

This building is a spiritual building, or Temple; and as we fit into the Christ's Temple, we also become part of another habitation; that being of the plan of God the Father. It is through God's Spirit that we are led to the positions and work we are to fulfill.

Ephesians 3:1 "For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,"

Paul is reminding us that as he is writing this letter, he is a prisoner in jail, because he preaches the gospel to the Gentiles.

Ephesians 3:2 "If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward."

Ephesians 3:3 "How that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,"

Ephesians 3:4 "Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)"

The above three verses are a statement which must be given together, for together they make a certain statement. Paul is referring us back to the letter of Romans, and verses found in Romans 16:25-26. Let's go to it.

Romans 16:25 "Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began [hath been kept in silence through times eternal],"

Romans 16:26 "But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:"

How do we acquire "obedience of faith"? This even sounds like a mystery. "Faith" is what you "Hope for". The "mystery" is that once you understand the truths of God's holy Word, by all the Prophets, (the old testament prophets) their is no way that your faith could waver. Once you have the understanding of God's Word, you become committed in your mind and then give obedience to Jesus Christ.

This "dispensation of Grace" Paul is telling us about in Ephesians 3:2, is a period of time or "dispensation" when the Almighty Father gives something freely to one person, because someone else paid the full price for it. "Grace", in this verse comes from the Greek word "Charis", and by definition means; "free, and undeserved favor; a noun".

Grace is not mentioned in Matthew or Mark, because this dispensation started when Jesus Christ went to the cross at Calvary, and shed His blood. That is the price that was paid, and it was paid in full for all of the sins of those who believe upon His name and repent for their sins. It is a gift, and because it is a gift, we have the right to accept it, or refuse His gift.

This "Grace of God" which concerns both you and I, is not a grace pertaining to some far off heavenly kingdom, but to us living on this earth, and today reaching out and taking it. When we take it, we are automatically adopted into the body of Christ, and become part God's family. This is the "mystery of God's saving plan", for all people, in all times, that will take this gift, and place their hope in Jesus Christ.

That mystery also has to do with the three world ages, that still remains a mystery to most people today. We discussed that first earth age in the Ephesians 1, and it is also in Romans 8. This mystery is part of the "key of David", which "opens the doors, and no man can close", of Revelation 3:7. When you study His word, God will reveal it to you through the very Word itself.

The revelation, or revealing of God's mystery of the ages, will give purpose to your life. For once you understand God's plan, and see just why you exist, and how Jesus Christ's death pertains to you, your eternal soul; your "obedience of faith" will not be shaken. Your spiritual eyes will be opened, and you will see you are somebody important. You're a child of the living God.

Ephesians 3:5 "Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men,"

The apostles are of the New Covenant [Testament], while the Prophets are of the Old Testament. Paul is telling us that the truth of this entire earth age is given in both the Old and the New Testaments. This mystery was not a mystery in either period of time. All was foretold in the Old Testament, and revealed through Apostles also later.

Ephesians 3:6 "That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel:"

From the earliest of times, only the children of the promise [God's promise to Abraham] had access to the inner court of God. The altar of God is in His Temple, and the Gentiles were forbidden, by God to enter.

When Christ died on the cross, that partition to the inner court, separating Jew from Gentile, and giving direct access to our Heavenly Father, came down. We read in Matthew 27:50-51; "Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost [spirit]. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;"

At the moment of Jesus death, when He "gave up the ghost", the way and access was made for Jew and Gentile alike. We see in Revelation 21:24 where people of all nations, 'Ethnos" in the Greek, will present themselves in the new eternal city of God. They have all become saved, and received eternal life the same way. Through the belief, and acceptance of Jesus Christ, and His blood shed on the cross.

Ephesians 3:7 "Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of His power."

Paul at one time considered himself to be the worst of all sinners. The persecutor of Christians, and even killing many of them, including Stephen [in Acts 7]. Paul says it was a "gift of His [God's] grace" that could take a sinner like this, and make a minister out of Him. The power of God changed that man's heart and mind.

Paul is then saying, if Gods power can change my heart and mind; He can change yours. When you have done all you can do to change a friend, or family member that is on the wrong course; you must turn to prayer, and give them over to the power of God. God answers prayer, when it is with His will.

Ephesians 3:8 "Unto me, who am less then the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;"

Paul did not think too much of himself; as far as his comparison with other Christians. Paul is saying that the grace from God that was given to him, he did not deserve.

Christ's riches are unsearchable, and those riches that Christ will give to you are untraceable. God will send blessings and protection to His own, as we put our faith and trust in Him. The riches may not be money, but in many other ways. Those gifts He gives you are will be in teaching, or understanding His Word; other gifts may be in witnessing, comfort to the sick, and your music and other skills. God's gifts are priceless, and when we possess any of them, we are commanded to use it for the glory of God.

Ephesians 3:9 "And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, Who created all things by Jesus Christ:"

This, "And", gives a great deal more than what you may read into this verse. It goes all the way back to the very foundation of this earth [world] age, and the mystery of God's working to bring about this earth [flesh] age. For this entire earth age we now live in, is all part of God's plan in making a way back to Himself, for those children that fell in the the first earth age. God's plan of salvation is the escape hatch to avoid God's final judgment on Satan and his followers. Live Link to-The Plan of God

In the beginning this mystery was there, and in Ephesians 2 we discussed a great deal of this mystery; How that Satan, and his literal sons, would become an active part in this earth age. Jesus even taught that this hidden mystery, was hidden from the foundations of this earth age. He taught about the physical offspring of the devil who are [the Kenites]. This is the teachings of Jesus Christ.

The "parable of the sower and the parable of the tares" are all tied together; and then explained.

Then when you understand these two parables, the "parable of the fig tree" opens right up to you. Jesus compels us to learn it, and when you do, the whole Bible will make sense, and open a whole new understanding of end time Bible prophecy.

In Matthew 13: Christ had just finished teaching the "parable of the sower and tares", and His disciples asked Him why he spoke in parables. In verse 11; "He answered and said unto them, because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not."

Matthew 13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. 12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. 13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.

Matthew 13:34 "All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:"

Matthew 13:35 "That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world."

This is the reason for all parables. Jesus is quoting from Psalm 78, here. The word "foundations" here is the same that we studied in Ephesians 1:4. It means "the overthrow by Satan"; when he rebelled against God, in the first earth age. It was then that one third of all God's created souls followed Satan in rebellion.

There are things that are kept secret since Satan was defeated, and that first earth age was destroyed. This flesh earth age is the results of what happened in that first age. When a baby is born, God does not create new souls for each new baby born, but they are the souls from that first earth age. Each soul must go through this flesh age one time and no more then once. "It is appointed unto man once to die [in the flesh], then judgment." Hebrews 9:27

This is what Genesis 6 is all about. The "sons of God" are angels, or these created beings of God, and they had refused to come to earth through the womb of a woman. This has nothing to do with reincarnation, for you are incarnate only once in the flesh body. One time through this earth age only.

Starting in verse 26 Jesus sends the multitude away and what He now tells His dusciples is not a parable, but He is explaining one.

Matthew 13:26 "Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field."

Matthew 13:37 "He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;"

Jesus is explaining it to His disciples and If you are His disciple, then it is for you also. "Disciple" means student, and comes from the word discipline. The seed in the verse are God's people, and the one that soweth, or made them was God's Word, Jesus Christ, who is the "Son of man".

Matthew 13:38 "The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;"

The field is where tis parable took place, and that field is this world [earth age]. That is this "Cosmos", or flesh age we now live in.

Jesus then defines the difference in origins between God's children [not seed], and the literal physical offspring of Satan [who is the devil. The Greek word here for seed is "sperma", and that makes it real clear what we are talking about. Remember, Jesus is not teaching in a parable here; but He is explaining one, where a analogy was used.

Matthew 13:39 "The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels." This is the root of the mystery that is being explained. The "enemy" that "sowed the seed" [sperma] of the tares is the devil. This "evil seed" is from Satan [the devil], and in this world age [flesh age]. All these tares came from the sexual union between Satan and Eve, which produced the "Kenites father "Cain".

The offspring of "Cain" are also the offspring "the devil", as Jesus just explained to us. This is a separate race of people called "Kenites". Let there be no mistake who sowed the evil seed; it was the devil. This is the mystery of Ephesians 3:9, and it was taught even from the beginning of the Scriptures. The mystery is what happened in the "Garden of Eden"; and when we know and understand this mystery, then we can dig deeper into the Word of God, and know from where the source of all evil comes. These tares [Kenites] are among us today, and will be amongst us until God's appointed time.

Ephesians 3:10 "To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,"

The "principalities" are the rulers, not just of this earth, but "angelic beings" also. This means that Satan himself, and his fallen angels, as well as Satan's children [Kenites] are , or "might be known by the Church". The church is the body of Christ, and if you know and understand who is in Satan's realm, then you have the "wisdom of God".

This is Paul's intent in writing this letter to the Ephesians. So that they and you can identify all of Satan's forces, both on earth, [the Kenites], and his angels when they arrive on earth at the sounding of the fifth trumpet [Revelation 9:1-10].

The true "wisdom of God" is to know our Heavenly Father, and His love and fairness towards each of us.

Ephesians 3:11 "According to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:"

The "eternal purpose" of God, is that Jesus Christ would come to earth, and become the sacrifice once and for all. All those souls who seek Christ, repent, and come under the blood of Jesus Christ are part of God's "eternal purpose", and are given eternal life.

Ephesians 3:12 "In Whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him."

In other words, when Christ was in the tomb, and gave up the ghost to the Father; at that time the vail to the holy of Holies was rent in two, and all God's children can now come boldly to the Father, in Jesus Christ's name. We now all have direct access to the throne of God; not through some priest, but boldly, and with confidence we can talk to our Heavenly Father.

Ephesians 3:13 "Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory."

Remember, Chapter 3 started with Paul saying, "I am in prison for you". Paul is giving them reassurance that it is for the glory of Christ he was there, and that should encourage, not discourage them in their work for the Lord. Paul is encouraging them to take heart and allow God to work in and through them.

Ephesians 3:14 "For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,"

This great plan of God is no longer a mystery for it is revealed to us through Paul. When Paul, as we ought to, thought of God's awesome plan, is is the time to fall to our knees and thank Him for His great love and mercy.

The word "family" in the Greek is "patra". It is the family of God's children. They each have become "kin" to each other. all of them, both on earth, and in heaven are one family. This is part of God's great mystery.

Ephesians 3:16 "That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His spirit in the inner man;"

What is this inner man? It is not this flesh man, but your spiritual [soul] body. There is no such thing as a handicapped inner body, physically speaking, for it is whole, complete and beautiful. The inner soul can have all the riches and strength that you're soul and spirit need to overcome any obstacle. In Matthew 18:10, it is written that each of His children have their angel in heaven watching over them, and at a time of need, our angel has the ear of the throne of God, on our behalf.

When you think it is all lost, and no one cares; God cares, and as do countless other prayer warriors. Many of these prayer warriors give intercessory prayers for souls they will never meet in this earth age, yet they have a burden for your soul and well being.

Even while you may be deep in sin, our God loves you, and is waiting for you to repent, and come to Him. You are never alone for God is a person, and not a uncaring force off in space, as some like to teach. We are made in His image, and He understands each of us. When God's spirit enters your "inner man", He can change your entire life. He can give you "peace of mind," and understanding as you continue in His Word, and gain spiritual knowledge.

Paul makes it clear that the Holy Spirit is the power of God, and if we call upon God, and allow that Holy Spirit to lead us, we can bring to full use those gifts God has given each of us. It is our individual faith in God, and Jesus Christ that will bring it to completion.

Ephesians 3:17 "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,"

This is to say that "Christ will be at home in your heart". We are all imperfect in many ways, but as long as we have that faith that His spirit is in us, it supports our beliefs, and gives us the motivation and confidence to sustain us in our daily walk with God. He will do exactly as He has promised in His word.

"Being rooted and grounded in love"; is the most powerful force that exist on earth. Love is the soil the our life is grounded in. When that soil is good, and strong, then our whole life and faith can become deeply rooted and strong during times of testing.

Ephesians 3:18 "May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;"

Ephesians 3:19 "And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God."

It is only by the grace of God, and the work of God's Holy Spirit that we can ever understand and comprehend the full extent of the love of God. The love of God is shown in all things, in the heavens as well as on the earth.

However, most of all, it is through His love for each of us, and the promises we have, that we can count on His love . It is the faith we have in God's eternal "love" that gives us our "love" for those around us, which gives us the desire that all people will come to know the love of God. No man can have the full understanding of the love God must have had to allow His Son to die on the cross, so He [God] could bring you and I to Himself.

The "Love of Christ" is the commitment of Christ to His Father, and to you and I, and also to every detail in God's Holy Word.

Ephesians 3:20 "Now unto Him That is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,"

This is in all things that we could ever dream, or hope for, as to the power of God's love. We can never come to the full understanding of that love of us, His child, except that His love for us allows it. This is a very powerful Scripture, as we try to understand God's love for us.

Ephesians 3:21 "Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen."

Jesus Christ is the "glory" of His Church, His "called out ones". We call them Christians, and we can see Christ's glory in all the ages, as we discussed before. This earth age is the plan of God, which draws God's children back to Him, because of what happened in that first earth age. God's holiness and glory has always been, and will never end, even in the continuance of eternity. In that love, no man can fully understand, but it becomes the power and roots that the hope for our lives is grounded in. Amen.