8 8 We must all feel that the offer of salvation by Christ was a free gift. Sinful man could not deserve it. when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved ;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves it is the gift of God: not of works, 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 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; 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: but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, 14 who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15 having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments 17 lest any man should boast. 10 Soul and body-" He made us; and not we ourselves." How readily should we obey Him! 14 God hath made Jew and Gentile one; by giving them the privileges of the same Gospel. 15 Jesus gave his body to the cross as our ransom; and united to Himself, as their head, Jew and Gentile-one body ; the Church. 17 To the Jews, who were nigh, He himself preached; to the Gentiles, who were afar off, He preached by his Apostles, commissioned thereto. 19 What animating hopes for the Christian! Here, at with God peace -hereafter, sharing his glory. contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; and that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby : and came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 1 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the houshold of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. CHAPTER III. FEB. 26, JUNE 26, Oct. 23. 'FOR this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2 (if * ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 'how that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto the holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the 7 St. Paul asserts his divine comgospel: ' whereof I was made mission, to justify his boldness. a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual s Yet, remembering that he once working of his power. Unto persecuted the Church, he speaks of me, who am less than the himself with deep humility. least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 9 and to make all men see 9 Jew and Gentile are now fellowwhat is the fellowship of the heirs of the kingdom. 1 He was in prison, as a preacher of the Gospel to the Gentiles. 2 How forcible is this warning to us. We, from our earliest days, have been taught the Gospel of Christ. 3 This mystery was the offer of the Gospel to the Gentiles. (See ver. 6.) 8 mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things 10 Happy thought! angels rejoice by Jesus Christ: 10 to the in our salvation. intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, "according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. 13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations 11 The Lamb of God was slain from the foundation of the world-such was God's determined purpose of love towards us. for you, which is your glory. 12 Even now your thoughts are accepted by God through Christ. 13 They were honoured by St. Paul's sufferings on their account. For this cause I bow my knees *This is not an expression of doubt. It is a marked warning, that y -as was in fact the case-they had been instructed in the doctrine of the Gospel, they ought to lead their lives agreeably thereto. 17 that 15 The Church triumphant in heaven, and the Church militant on earth, are alike the family of God. unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man ; 17 Faith in Christ is evidenced by Christ may dwell in your devoting our affections to Him. hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. 20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above 20 This noble thanksgiving would doubtless animate the Ephesians to a firmer faith and a brighter hope. 21 Hence the Church has ever closed her prayers in the name of the Lord Christ Jesus. Amen! all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, "1 unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. CHAPTER IV. FEB. 27, JUNE 27, OCT. 24. I THEREFORE, (the prisoner of the Lord,) beseech you It is no small dignity, that we are called the sons of God." walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, ness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 6 No scripture can more forcibly show the solemn duty of unity in the Church of God. (See ch. i. 10.) 7 Let no one plead human infirmity as an excuse for sin. Grace is 2 How beautifully is the Christian character here pourtrayed. endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 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. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he tivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. ded, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) given to every one called by the name of Christ, and in such measure as God sees necessary. ascended up on high, he led cap(Now that he ascen 14 13 13 As the natural man comes gradually to his perfect strength, so the soul gradually grows and strengthens in spiritual life. of the stature of the fulness of 14 Even St. Paul's ministry was opposed by artful and designing men. And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ : till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man, unto the measure Christ: that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. 16 The members of Christ's body, the Church, should be contented each with the office assigned him. When each acts well his part-high or low -the whole body is edified. Ver. 17. This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 having the 18 A dreadful picture of the leaven understanding darkened, be- of idolatry, and its attendant licening alienated from the life of tiousness. God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ; if so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: that ye 22 Our evil nature we derive from the first man, Adam. put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 22 24 Our renewed nature we receive from the second Adam, Jesus Christ. 25 Our holy profession must be operative in a holy conduct towards men, as well as towards God. 24 and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and 26 sin not let not the sun go down upon your wrath : 26 We are not to bear malice against even those who may have excited our just anger. Ere you sleep-forgive! neither give place to the devil. 28 Honest industry is the Christian's delight. 30 The Holy Spirit of God dwelleth in us. 28 Let him that stole steal no more but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. 3 31 Therefore, love and kindness should regulate all our actions, all our words, all our thoughts. CHAPTER V. FEB. 28, JUNE 28, OCT 25. If children of God, let us be duti ful! 'BE ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and smelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be cometh saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not thanks. 5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with. vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers 2 If Christ loved us, strange indeed if we loved not each other. a sacrifice to God for a sweet3 Purity of heart and conduct are indispensable to a Christian hope. once named among you, as be4 Idle words are often sinful-they are always dangerous. convenient: but rather giving of 5 Heaven itself would be no state of bliss to the impure. The Gentiles were in darkness with them. 8 For ye were till the Gospel light shone upon sometimes darkness, but now them. are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things |