< Ephesians 2 >

A complete transformation of the disciples lives had occurred as a result of their learning and obeying the truth. Previously they, like all men and women naturally, had been motivated by sin, the spirit of disobedience, which pervades the world, including its rulers, fulfilling the lusts of the flesh. Then they were the “children of wrath” and “dead in sins”, but God is merciful and loving, and he exalted them with Christ, that “in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace toward us through Christ Jesus”. They were a new “creation in Christ” to do good works.

This is an exhortation to have the mind of Christ who, though the Son of God, did not think he was equal with God (John 14:28).Waiting for response for John 14:28 Even though he had the highest status for a man, he took on the lowest status - a servant/slave - and was obedient to his Father even unto death on the cross. This passage has to do with status. Jesus was not literally God, as Trinitarians make out and misuse this passage for support, nor literally a slave, but he humbled himself to take on the lowest status, as he instructed his disciples to do (Luke 22:26)Waiting for response for Luke 22:26 and gave himself as the example to follow (John 13:14-15).Waiting for response for John 13:14-15 Therefore, he was highly exalted and given a name above every name unto whom all should bow. Likewise he promised great exultation for those who follow his example (Matthew 23:11-12;Waiting for response for Matthew 23:11-12 Matthew 18:4).Waiting for response for Matthew 18:4

These disciples were Gentiles in the flesh, and previously they were “without Christ, aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world”. After their baptism they were “in Christ Jesus” brought “near by the blood of Christ”, and they were “no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God”. We see how important it is to be related to Israel in order to become members of God’s family.

God promised King David that his seed, Christ, would reign on his throne for ever and would build God’s house. Jesus will build a temple at Jerusalem, and God showed its design to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 40-42) but “house” also means “family” and the saints constitute the household of God. The cornerstone of this house is Jesus himself, the foundation stones are the apostles and prophets, and the other elements of the temple are individual saints. This house is growing all the time, as more people believe and are baptized, but eventually the building will be complete, forming a “habitation of God through the Spirit”. This is God’s intention, therefore it is said to the saints: 2 Corinthians 6:16-18Waiting for response for 2 Corinthians 6:16-18