Ephesians (KJV): The Hidden Mystery

Ephesians 2:8-13 (KJV), ‘the Hidden Mystery’.

Ephesians 2: 8-13 (KJV) 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 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; 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: 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off

The other three are Colossians, Philemon, and Philippians. These books were believed to be written in 60-62 AD when he was imprisoned in Rome. He wrote them during his first imprisonment, he was imprisoned twice and the second one ended in his death.

Reading and meditation on Acts 19-20 and Revelation 2:1-7 (the Church in Ephesus) is essential. Ephesus was a big, prosperous harbor city in Asia Minor. The harbor has long been filled up and unusable. The famous Silk Road from Asia ended at this point. The church in Ephesus also lived in a community thronging about its most prized mother idol of Diana.

One of the Seven Wonders of the World was right there in Ephesus. It was the huge temple dedicated to this goddess named Diana (Artemis). People from all around flocked to that great temple. The goddess, after all, is noted for having fallen down from the sky. Although her origins were probably just the remains of a meteorite, there was much ado over her supposed powers. Note how this contrasts with Christ who not only came from God but ascended back to heaven (see Ephesians 4:8-10)! (Bucknell,

First is the heavenly calling (Ephesians 1:1 – 3:21). Second is the earthly walk (4:1 – 6:24). Both are extremely important to every individual. However, the section that this paper is exploring is part of the heavenly calling. The grace that brought us eternal life through the blood of Jesus. Nothing we could do to deserve it or earn it, it truly is a gift of God.

Content

Grace and Faith (not works) are required for Salvation

Ephesians 2: 8, 9 (KJV) “8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast”. Grace is the undeserved favor of God. Salvation is a gift of God by His grace. However it does require us to have faith but, there is nothing we can do in our self to earn it, it is a gift. There is nothing anyone can do to earn this gift. Therefore, pride is taken out of the equation. If people could earn it they would boast and it would not be a gift.

Grace (Gk.: CARIS) means "unmerited favor." It is God 's doing good for someone who does not deserve it. Nothing in us merits salvation. God is gracious, full of mercy, love, and kindness for man; therefore, He has reached out through His Son Jesus Christ to save