Exegetical Analysis Of Ephesians 2:4-7

"But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us." (Ephesians 2:4)

Our sentence of eternal condemnation in the divine court for our sins is duly deserved. However, there is another dimension to be considered in which there is a remedy for our situation. Man has no merit on his own account, but God does. The Apostle Paul defines the means by which our salvation has been brought about: "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace" (Ephesians 1:7). "But God" introduces a note of hope. He has made a path of redemption for us. What is the extent to which God loves us? It is very great, meaning a depth beyond human comprehension. His love is infinitely wide in scope. He reached out to us with His graceful offer of eternal life, even though we were not seeking after Him.

"even when we were dead in our wrongdoings, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)." (Ephesians 2:5)

Our disobedience toward God destined us for His eternal wrath. We were naturally not receptive to the things of God. Our prior situation meant certain doom apart from intervention by Him. Paul elsewhere specifies a number of ways that a person can violate God's Law: "...the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor those habitually drunk, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers..." (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). The point to be made is that no one on earth can live up to God's perfect moral standard. So, how can we be made alive with Jesus Christ? We are made alive together in Christ through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. We were once dead to evil ways. Now we live a new life of holiness. Our old ways have passed away. Paul expounds further on the phrase about grace in parenthesis in Ephesians 2:8. We have been purchased by the blood of Christ to be vessels of honor to God.

"and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:6)

We have been raised together to newness of life in union with Christ. That is the greatest benefit of having been reconciled to a holy God. We have a new identity in Christ as children of God. We have a new purpose in this life which is to bring glory to God. We become partakers of His kingdom, which is a kingdom of righteousness: "for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17). There is a radical change of heart which happens in the lives of those who place their trust in Christ. The Apostle Paul's former lifestyle was that of a murderer. He persecuted the church of God. He went from zealously chasing after Christians to becoming a member of that very group he had once despised. His transformed life was one of service to God in preaching the gospel. Paul now enjoys the fullness of fellowship with Christ in heaven. He has seen Him face to face in glory, and so can we.

"so that in the ages to come He might show the boundless riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:7)

Christ's sacrifice for our redemption is the greatest expression of love made by God to us. It serves as a testimony to His generosity for eternity. The greatest demonstration of love took place when Jesus Christ made atonement for our sins on the cross. He laid down His life for us. God ought to be praised forever for this wondrous deed. This act was not done because we were righteous and deserved His favor. It was solely because of His benevolence.

There Will Always Be Inequality

"Human beings are obviously unequal in numberless ways, including: health, opportunities, abilities, energy, moral character, and contribution to society. It is essential, therefore, in asserting the equality of all men to delineate the nature and the source of that equality. In Christian ethics the nature of equality is that all men are equally to be loved — not equally admired, or emulated, or praised; but equally loved."

Calvin D. Linton, Wycliffe Dictionary of Christian Ethics, Carl F.H. Henry editor, p. 213-214

Early Church Evidence Against Transubstantiation

"It is not we who eat human flesh — they among you who assert such a thing have been suborned as false witnesses; it is among you that Pelops is made a supper for the gods, although beloved by Poseidon, and Kronos devours his children, and Zeus swallows Metis."

Tatian's Address to the Greeks, Chapter XXV

Was First Century Judaism Legalistic?

• Defining The Issues:

          -The ongoing debate surrounding the New Perspective on Paul (NPP) engages deeply with interpretations of first-century Judaism and the writings of the Apostle Paul. At the heart of this discourse is the assertion made by proponents of the NPP that the prevailing view of righteousness in first-century Judaism was not fundamentally rooted in legalism, but rather in a framework of grace or "covenantal nomism." This perspective shifts the understanding of Jewish identity and religious practice away from a simplistic dichotomy of law versus grace.

• Covenantal Nomism:

          -At the core of the NPP is the term covenantal nomism, a concept articulated by E.P. Sanders. According to Sanders, this framework asserts that Second Temple Judaism was characterized by a belief that as long as a Jew maintained their covenantal relationship with God—primarily manifested through obedience to the Law—they remained a member of God's chosen people. This relationship was dynamic and relational rather than transactional, contrasting sharply with the more common perception of a legalistic approach to salvation.
          -To break this down further, covenantal nomism posits that God’s covenant with Israel provided a narrative in which obedience to God’s commands was understood not merely as a means of earning favor but as a continuation of one’s identity within God’s community. Thus, the commandments were seen as markers of fidelity to the covenant, serving to define and uphold community boundaries. The implication here is substantial: Paul’s letters, often interpreted as polemics against a works-based faith, may instead reflect his concern about boundary markers that fostered divisions, particularly between Jews and Gentiles.

• The Context Of Grace In Second Temple Judaism:

          -Even if one accepts Sanders's vision of Judaism as fundamentally rooted in grace, which emphasizes maintaining one’s covenantal status, it does not entirely rule out the existence of a belief in works righteousness—the idea that one’s standing before God could be contingent upon both faith and meritorious actions. Evidence from the intertestamental literature, such as 4 Ezra and 2 Enoch, indicates that many Jews believed in a judgment based on one's deeds that would influence eternal outcomes. For instance, Jubilees illustrates that while election may initiate one’s entry into the covenant community, ongoing obedience to the Law is required for remaining in that status. These texts signal a nuanced interplay between election, grace, and the expectation for obedience, painting a more complex picture than just one of grace devoid of merit.

• Insights From The Gospels:

          -Looking at the Gospels, the teachings of Jesus often confronted prevailing interpretations of righteousness that Jesus viewed as overly simplistic or hypocritical. The Pharisees and religious leaders are frequently depicted as exemplars of a legalistic approach that emphasized external compliance to the Law while neglecting the internal transformation that God desires. For instance, in Matthew 9:11, their criticism of Jesus for associating with "sinners" exposes a rigid perspective that compartmentalizes righteousness. Similarly, in addressing the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-30; Luke 18:18-30), Jesus challenges the notion that adherence to the Law, particularly when divorced from love and humility, guarantees righteousness.
          -The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector in Luke 18:9-14 starkly underscores the pitfalls of self-righteousness and the need for genuine humility before God as the path to justification. Jesus's teaching about righteousness not merely as a legal standard but as an issue of the heart offers profound implications for understanding both his message and Paul’s later theological reflections.

• Pauline Epistles And Works Righteousness:

          -Within Paul's epistles, he is vehemently vocal against what he perceives to be errors related to works-righteousness. Romans 9:30-10:4 illustrates Paul's argument that righteousness comes through faith, not by works of the Law. As a former Pharisee, Paul reflects on his own earlier understanding of righteousness through the Law (Philippians 3:4-9), highlighting a radical transformation in his theology post-encounter with Christ. This struggle illustrates that although covenantal faithfulness was a principle in early Judaism, many still conflated obedience with justification in ways Paul found problematic.

• Arguments Based On Liberal Scholarship:

          -The contributions of liberal scholarship further complicate this picture. Numerous references within Paul's writings and the canon of scripture highlight a broad discourse on "works" without exclusion of boasting (e.g., 2 Cor. 11:5; Gal. 5:19). Even if some texts attributed to Paul are debated concerning their authenticity, they reflect a trend in early Christianity that grasped the essence of grace as opposed to performance-based acceptance. This pushes readers to reconsider the implications of Paul’s teachings on justification and righteousness, particularly regarding their potential reception both in his time and among contemporary readers.

God Intended Sex To Be Sacred And Treated As Such

"Reducing troth to physical sex is to reduce human sexual intercourse to animal copulation. Physical intercourse is a good gift of the Lord which ought to stay in the marriage-room of the creation. If sex in principle can be had with anyone—so-called free love—without exception elements of selfishness, exploitation and insecurity enter in."

James H. Olthus, Wycliffe Dictionary of Christian Ethics, Carl F.H. Henry editor, p. 408

Showing Mercy To Those Who Offend

“Let mercy keep company with courage. Follow my advice in this: if in battle you win a man’s surrender, then unless he has done you such grievance as amounts to heart’s sorrow, accept his oath, and let him live.”

Wolfram von Eschenbach, Parzival

Exegetical Notes On 2 Timothy

CHAPTER 1:

The opening verses of 2 Timothy serve as a heartfelt prologue, in which Paul earnestly wishes for divine favor to be showered on his beloved mentee, Timothy. In this sincere greeting, he articulates a deep desire for Timothy to receive grace, mercy, and peace from God—a triad of spiritual blessings that underscores the significance of divine assistance for sustenance and resilience in ministry. The phrase "according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus" may reveal Paul's own awareness of the impending trials he faces, including martyrdom. This foreknowledge imbues the passage with urgency and poignancy, reminding both Paul and Timothy that amid suffering, the promise of eternal life provides profound hope and purpose.

As we delve into verses four through seven, we catch a glimpse of Paul's affectionate longing to visit Timothy, a desire that transcends mere companionship and speaks to the inseparable bond formed through shared faith and ministry. Paul wishes to uplift his younger companion, urging him to stand firm against the daunting challenges that lie ahead. The mention of Timothy’s godly upbringing, rooted in a childhood steeped in the teachings of the Old Testament, not only highlights Timothy’s preparation for ministry but also emphasizes the lasting impact of discipleship and family spiritual heritage on one's faith journey.

In verse nine, we encounter theologically rich content that resonates deeply with the overarching narrative of redemption. The Phillips New Testament astutely captures the essence of Paul’s words: "Before time began he planned to give us in Christ the grace to achieve this purpose, but it is only since our saviour Jesus Christ has been revealed that the method has become apparent." This passage unveils the eternal blueprint of God's plan for humanity, interwoven with grace and centered on Christ's redemptive work. Here, Paul emphasizes the divine initiative in sparing sinners, framing Jesus not only as the agent of grace but also as the embodiment of God's desire for a redeemed humanity.

Verses twelve through fourteen reveal Paul’s unwavering conviction regarding his divine commissioning to preach the gospel amidst overwhelming trials. Despite the hardships he endures, Paul remains steadfast in his commitment to the gospel's transformative power. His exhortation to Timothy is not merely guidance but a passionate call to carry forth the sacred ministry entrusted to him. Paul encapsulates his assurance in the sufficiency of Christ's strength, recognizing that this same divine fortitude sustains both their missions, reinforcing the essential nature of reliance on God in fulfilling one’s calling.

CHAPTER 2:

In verses one and two, Paul instructs Timothy to share the teachings he has received, a directive that underscores the importance of the generational transmission of faith. This process of mentorship is vital for the ministry’s endurance and manifests the call for discipleship within the Christian community. The expectation that new leaders will continue the work demonstrates the cooperative nature of gospel ministry, indicating that every generation has an essential role in the expansion of the church’s mission.

The apostle employs vivid metaphors like a soldier on active duty, an athlete, and a hardworking farmer to bring life to his message. These illustrations serve not only to inspire dedication and resilience but also to reinforce the reality that loyalty to God will ultimately lead to His commendation. They remind Timothy—and the broader church—of the inherent struggle and discipline involved in the Christian life, encouraging believers to endure persecution with a future reward in mind. Paul's own imprisonment exemplifies how trials do not hinder the growth of the gospel; rather, they become a fertile ground for its proliferation, confirming the truth that the message of Christ cannot be locked away.

The assertion that God remains faithful even amidst human unfaithfulness provides a source of hope for believers. This theme is frequent in Paul’s writings, assuring Timothy that God's character is immutable, even when individuals falter. This reassurance invites a response of dependence and faithfulness from Timothy, grounding him in the certainty of God’s promises and faithfulness throughout the ages.

In his exhortation for Timothy to uphold integrity and pursue godliness in ministry (2 Timothy 2:15), Paul emphasizes that Christian character must reflect the teachings received. By warning Timothy against engaging in profane and futile debates (2 Timothy 2:16), Paul underscores the reality that such distractions can undermine the believer's spiritual vitality and communal health. The inflammatory image of toxic discussions spreading "like gangrene" (or "like cancer") illustrates the insidious danger posed by unwholesome dialogue—arguably one of the most critical challenges facing the church in every generation.

Timothy is called to cultivate purity and intentionality in his pursuits (2 Timothy 2:22), striving towards virtues that embody the essence of the Christian life. Paul’s exhortation to dwell on what is honorable and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8) serves not only as a guide for Timothy but as timeless counsel for all believers. This integration of faith into daily practice speaks to the holistic nature of discipleship—an invitation to live out one's beliefs in practical and visible ways, thereby becoming a vessel for honor in God's service (2 Timothy 2:21).

CHAPTER 3:

In verses one through five, Paul delivers a chilling portrayal of humanity’s moral decline, encapsulating the spirit of the age through a series of self-referential and destructive behaviors: "lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant…" This stark list serves as both a prophetic warning and a clarion call for believers to remain separate from the pervasive corruption that steals spiritual vitality and authenticity. These behaviors are characterized by an inherent selfishness that prioritizes individual gratification over communal and divine responsibilities. Paul’s use of “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” suggests a spiritual blindness that occurs when temporary desires supplant genuine devotion, leading to a hollow faith devoid of true commitment.

Verse thirteen introduces the concept of judicial hardening, where a continued disregard for God's grace leads to a gradual surrender to moral decay. This idea is especially relevant in the context of Romans 1:24-26, where Paul illustrates how the rejection of God's truth results in abandonment to sin. The downward spiral described emphasizes the dire consequences of a hardened heart: individuals not only cultivate their sin but also become incapable of recognizing or responding to God's redemptive overtures. This sobering truth is a reminder for believers to remain vigilant against complacency in their own faith and moral practices.

Moreover, in addressing the inspiration and utility of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16), an insightful distinction is made. Rather than viewing "every Scripture" as an isolated entity, lasting insights emerge when affirming that "all Scripture is inspired by God." This interpretation strengthens the understanding that the entirety of Scripture—being divinely breathed—carries intrinsic authority and valuable application for teaching and moral correction. The writings of Paul advocate for a recognition of the Old Testament's authority, framing it as the wellspring from which the New Testament's revelations emerge. This serves as a foundational belief for the church, promoting the use of Scripture for reproof, correction, and training in righteousness—a holistic approach aimed at molding believers into mature followers of Christ.

CHAPTER 4:

As Paul unrolls the final chapter of his epistle, he exhorts Timothy to remain vigilant in upholding the truth of the gospel in the face of growing apostasy. The caution about people seeking to "have their ears tickled" (2 Timothy 4:3-4) anticipates the challenge of sound doctrine amidst a culture inclined towards preference-driven spirituality. Paul’s recognition of the historical presence of false teachers, identified in earlier admonitions about individuals like Hymenaeus and Alexander, reinforces the timeliness of his warning and highlights the ongoing battle for the integrity of the faith.

Acknowledging the nearness of his martyrdom, Paul employs the metaphor of a libation—a wine offering ceremonially poured out before God—to articulate the sacrificial nature of his life and ministry. This imagery deepens the understanding of his impending execution, framing it not as a tragic end, but as a precious and acceptable offering to God. Paul's unwavering confidence in receiving a "crown of righteousness" speaks to his deep-seated belief in divine justice and reward, embodying the hope for all believers who remain steadfast amidst trials (2 Timothy 4:8).

Paul's assurance of divine sustenance amidst suffering reflects the broader promise found in 2 Peter 3:9, revealing the nature of God’s patience and desire for universal reconciliation. This provides Timothy—and ultimately all readers—with comfort and assurance, reinforcing the need for perseverance in faith.

The thematic exploration of heavenly rewards, notably examined by C.S. Lewis in Mere Christianity, invites believers to move beyond mere speculation about the nature of heavenly glory to engage with the profound truth the rewards convey about God’s ultimate purpose. The symbols of crowns, harps, and gold serve as metaphors for the indescribable joy awaiting the faithful, challenging readers to grasp the reality of eternal satisfaction that dwarfs earthly ambitions.

Finally, Paul’s request for Timothy to bring his overcoat and his books (2 Timothy 4:13) presents an endearing glimpse into the apostle’s character. This request mirrors a lifelong commitment to learning and ministry, even as his earthly journey nears its conclusion. It serves as a poignant reminder for believers to prioritize their spiritual growth and to steadfastly pursue knowledge as they navigate the complexities of life.

The mention of Alexander the Coppersmith in this context, with its possible connections to Acts 19:33 and 1 Timothy 1:20, highlights the reality of opposition in the gospel ministry. Paul’s proclamation that God would repay Alexander for his actions reaffirms the principle of divine justice that offers peace of mind, urging believers to release the burden of vengeance and trust in God's ultimate righteousness. In this intricate tapestry of mentorship, endurance, and divine purpose, Paul lays out an enduring framework for all who seek to follow Christ faithfully.

Emphasizing the Importance of Courage

"Courage is not simply one of the virtues but the form of every virtue at the testing point, which means at the point of highest reality. A chastity or honesty, or mercy, which yields to danger will be chaste or honest or merciful only on conditions. Pilate was merciful till it became risky."

C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters, Letter 29

Do Matthew 5:43-45 And Matthew 19:16 Refute Justification By Faith Alone?

• Discussion:

          -The purpose of this article is to address a few arguments made by Tim Staples against Sola Fide. He appeals to the command to love one's neighbor and the parable of the rich young ruler as biblical evidence for the idea that works are to be added to faith for justification before God. Following are excerpts from the author in bold along with a critique:

          "The inspired author here quotes Jesus Christ as using a purpose clause in Greek—hotos genesthe huioi tou patros humon to en ouranois—“in order that you may be made sons of your Father in heaven.” That means, in simple terms, you have to do this (love your enemies and pray for your persecutors) in order for that (being made sons of your Father) to become a reality. It really doesn’t get any plainer than that."

          The Holy Spirit pours the love of God into our hearts through His grace. That is related to our justification before God. However, this act of the Spirit is not to be conflated with such an instance. The manifestation of love in our lives demonstrates that we have been declared righteous by God.

          "When Jesus spoke to the rich young man, he was equally clear that it is not enough to believe in him (Christ) to have eternal life. That is part of it (John 3:16). But Jesus says it is also necessary to “keep the commandments” and “sell what you possess . . . and follow” him."

          A young man who was wealthy approached Jesus Christ and asked Him about what kind of works that he needed to accomplish in order to obtain eternal life (Matthew 19:16). He clearly wanted to earn a right standing before God. In response, Christ revealed that the individual fell short of meeting God's perfect standard of obedience to the Law (Matthew 19:21-22). That is true of us all (Romans 3:23). The disciples marveled at this encounter (Matthew 19:25). He concluded the conversation by reinforcing the fact of the impossibility of salvation apart from the work of God (Matthew 19:26). Rather than refuting justification by faith alone, this passage actually affirms that doctrine.

Early Church Evidence Against Transubstantiation

"Moreover, among the Tauri of Pontus, and to the Egyptian Busiris, it was a sacred rite to immolate their guests, and for the Galli to slaughter to Mercury human, or rather inhuman, sacrifices. The Roman sacrificers buried living a Greek man and a Greek woman, a Gallic man and a Gallic woman; and to this day, Jupiter Latiaris is worshipped by them with murder; and, what is worthy of the son of Saturn, he is gorged with the blood of an evil and criminal man. I believe that he himself taught Catiline to conspire under a compact of blood, and Bellona to steep her sacred rites with a draught of human gore, and taught men to heal epilepsy with the blood of a man, that is, with a worse disease. They also are not unlike to him who devour the wild beasts from the arena, besmeared and stained with blood, or fattened with the limbs or the entrails of men. To us it is not lawful either to see or to hear of homicide; and so much do we shrink from human blood, that we do not use the blood even of eatable animals in our food."

The Octavius of Minucius Felix, Chapter XXX