The expression "In Christ Jesus" or its equivalent is used some twelve times in the first fourteen verses of the first chapter. The apostle Paul undoubtedly establishes and emphasizes a fundamental and essential principal, which must be recognized in order to understand and to achieve the desired goal and effect of the epistle. The letter to the Ephesians was written to explain and define the relationship that exists between the Savior and the saved. If one is to be saved, he must be IN CHRIST! To be in Christ is to be in His body, or church, (Eph 1:22,23; 2:16; 5:23-32).

 

When one is "In Christ" he is a "saint and faithful" - (Eph 1:1,2). In Christ we are separated from the world to the service of God, and that service is carried out in the spirit of loyalty to the instructions given by the one whom we serve, and dependability in fulfilling our obligations unto Him. If we are truly separated from the world, and faithful unto Him to whom we belong, truly grace and peace will be ours. When one is in Christ he is a partaker of "Every spiritual blessing" - (Eph. 1: 3). Many of these spiritual blessings are discussed in the following passages, but the principle is clearly set forth that UNLESS one is IN CHRIST, he cannot partake of ANY of them. One may lead a good moral, honest, and charitable life, and thus receive the physical blessings associated with such a lifestyle, but those things are not the cause or source of our spiritual blessings (Acts 10:1-6,22, 11:14).

 

When one is "In Christ" he is a "saint and faithful" - (Eph 1:1,2). In Christ we are separated from the world to the service of God, and that service is carried out in the spirit of loyalty to the instructions given by the one whom we serve, and dependability in fulfilling our obligations unto Him. If we are truly separated from the world, and faithful unto Him to whom we belong, truly grace and peace will be ours. When one is in Christ he is a partaker of "Every spiritual blessing" - (Eph. 1: 3). Many of these spiritual blessings are discussed in the following passages, but the principle is clearly set forth that UNLESS one is IN CHRIST, he cannot partake of ANY of them. One may lead a good moral, honest, and charitable life, and thus receive the physical blessings associated with such a lifestyle, but those things are not the cause or source of our spiritual blessings (Acts 10:1-6,22, 11:14).

 

When one is in Christ he is "Sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise" (Eph. 1:13). We can share in the wonderful blessings IN CHRIST experienced by Paul through believing the gospel which he preached, of which he states as being "The power of God unto salvation," (Rom. 1:16), and in this passage, - The word of truth, (John 17:17), the gospel (Romans 10:14-17), of your salvation. The gospel provides one with the facts to be believed; commands, which must be obeyed, and promises in which we are to hope. Our acceptance of the facts related to us in the gospel by faith, and our submission to the demands of the gospel by faith, assures us, and authenticates us as being recipients of the wonderful blessings God has promised to those "IN CHRIST JESUS." God will keep His word to us!