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Jesus Messiah

Everyone is welcome in God’s world. We don’t naturally understand it or how it works but it is true. It is a great mystery. No matter if you have gone to church your whole life or never set foot in the door. We all stand on the same ground.

We all have the same offer of good news to enter God’s world. We all get the same help from a God for whom nothing is impossible. All the promises that Jesus made are ours. No favoritism to the religious. Those sitting at the bar are just as welcome. There is nothing we have “to do”.

When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery [the secret] of the Messiah, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the [Holy]Spirit. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in the Messiah Jesus through the good news.[1]

Ephesians 3:4-6

In the book of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul unveils a profound mystery that lies at the heart of Christian faith: the inclusion of Gentiles as fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in the Messiah Jesus through the good news. This revelation, inspired by the Holy Spirit, not only reshaped the understanding of the early Christian community but continues to hold great significance for believers today. In this article, we will delve into Ephesians 3:4-6 and explore the depth of this mystery and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in its revelation.

Unlocking the Mystery: This passage reveals a multi-faceted truth that was not fully comprehended before Christ’s ministry and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

  1. Fellow Heirs: The concept of Gentiles being fellow heirs is a revolutionary idea. In the Old Testament, the inheritance of God’s promises was seen as exclusive to the Jewish people. However, through Jesus, the dividing wall of hostility between Jews and Gentiles was torn down (Ephesians 2:14). All who believe in the Messiah are now co-heirs of God’s promises, irrespective of their heritage. This proves the impartiality and inclusiveness of God’s grace, a vital revelation empowered by the Holy Spirit.
  2. Members of the Same Body: The imagery of believers, both Jews and Gentiles, being members of the same body is powerful. It highlights the unity and interconnectedness that the Holy Spirit brings to the Church. In Christ, there is no longer a distinction between Jew and Gentile but a profound unity. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to function as a cohesive and harmonious body, working together for the common purpose of glorifying God and advancing His kingdom.
  3. Partakers of the Promise: The promise mentioned in Ephesians 3:6 is the promise of salvation, redemption, and eternal life through faith in Jesus the Messiah. This promise is not reserved solely for one group but extends to all who believe. The Holy Spirit reveals the universal accessibility of this promise, emphasizing that salvation is available to anyone who turns to Christ in faith.

The Role of the Holy Spirit – The Apostle Paul’s revelation of Gentiles as fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in the Messiah is made possible through the work of the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who opens the eyes of believers to grasp the depth of this mystery and empowers them to live out its implications.

  1. Enlightenment: The Holy Spirit is the revealer of truth (John 16:13). He enlightens believers to understand the profound implications of God’s plan to include Gentiles in the inheritance of His promises. Through the Spirit’s guidance, Paul was able to articulate this mystery for the benefit of the early Church.
  2. Empowerment: The inclusion of Gentiles in the body of the Messiah was a radical shift in thinking for many Jewish believers. The Holy Spirit empowered them to embrace this change, fostering unity and love within the Church. He continues to empower believers today to overcome prejudices and divisions, promoting a spirit of inclusion and unity in the body of the Messiah.

Ephesians 3:4-6 stands as a testament to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in revealing and manifesting God’s profound plan for the inclusion of Gentiles in the body of Christ. This revelation challenges us to embrace the diversity within the Church and to recognize that, through faith in Jesus, we are all fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of God’s incredible promise. As we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, we can live out this mystery with humility, love, and unity, reflecting the power of the Holy Spirit to the world around us.

[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Eph 3:4–6.