[:en]SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS IN CHRIST (vs. 3-14)
Ephesus was one of the 5 pagan cities in the Roman Empire, along with Rome, Corinth, Antioch and Alexandra. It was in commerical, political and religious center for all of Asia Minor. The temple of Greek goddess Artemis (Diana) was located there.
Paul visited Ephesus in his second missionary journey (Act.s 18:19-20). He then stayed there fro almost 3 years in his 3rd missionary journey. He was under house arrest in Rome when he wrote Eppphesians (Acts 28:16). The words “In Ephesus” was not present in some early manuscript, so it was likely a circular letter to all local churches.
In His infinite love, God predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ in according with His pleasure and will (v. 5). We are saved not because we deserve it but because God is gracious and freely gives is sa;vatopm/ Because of Chrsit, we are holy and blameless in His sight.
Redemtion was the price paid to gain freedom for a slave (Lev. 25:47-54). Through His death, Jesus paid the price to release us from slavery of sin. He died as the perfect and final sacrifice. Forgiveness is given on the bassis of Jesus’ blood.
God’s grace is His kindness showed to those he saves. Salvation cannot be earned and we don’t deserve it. It only comes from God’s mercy and love. Only God can save us and the only way to receiv it is through faith in Christ.
They mystery of His will is to unite Jews and Gentiles in one body with Christ. Nobody can understand His plan but He will bring in togethjer to be with him forever in His time. God’s purpose is to offer salvation to tthe world. When we heard the word of truth and believed, we will be marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit that secures eternal life for us. Thje Holyt Spirit serves as a guarantor, like a down payment, a deposit, that we beldong to Him and that He will do what He has promised.[:]