Thoughts on Ephesians 1:21-23

 Thoughts on Ephesians 1:21-23 by John W. Ritenbaugh

"... far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. (22) And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, (23) which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all."

Despite its smallness and visible weaknesses, as the complement of Christ, the church is still in an exalted position. We members do not add a thing to Christ's perfect sacrifice, but His will is that He shall be complete when He is united with His bride.

Thus, as He sanctifies and shapes us in holiness, He gradually fills His bride's every part with every gift needed to enable her to function effectively so that she, as a whole, can glorify God in her overall responsibility to our Father and to our Lord and Savior. Since everything in Christ's spiritual body comes from Him, He is everything to every member within it.

No religion but Christianity offers such an exalted and loving, spiritual Being sent to bless its adherents. He is our Creator, our Lawgiver, the Forgiver of our sins, the Dispenser of His Spirit, the Giver of eternal life, our Guide through life who blazes the trail before us, the Enabler of true spiritual growth and overcoming as well as being our incomparable Savior.

This body of believers is not contained within one corporate entity, and an individual cannot just go out and join it. The Father must lead a person to it (John 6:44). When He does, the newly called person will find people who are keeping God's commandments in both letter and spirit. They will worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24) and they will sacrifice themselves despite personal costs. They will be honest, trustworthy, and uncomplaining. They will not be driven by envy and covetousness, nor will they be fixed on immediate or self-gratification. Their utmost desire will be to obey God and lay glory at His feet.

The Kingdom of God is the vision that drives them. They strive to transform into the image of Jesus Christ and to glorify the Father and Son in everything. They live solidly in the present, aware of many of its harsh realities, but they make every move with their gaze on the eternal.

They truly are pilgrims, people who humbly see themselves as mere tiny specks in a vast and awesome purpose yet privileged beyond all bounds. They believe that purpose, and in gratitude, give themselves by faith to see it accomplished in their lives and to share it so others, too, will fulfill that divine purpose in their lives.