(Song of Job by Day of Eternity – used by permission)

The Book of Ephesians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to Gentile Christians living in Ephesus. And it is full of encouraging words and deep revelations for the Christian.

“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:” – Eph. 1:1-3

Some prophecy teachers who want to espouse a pre-tribulation rapture say the term ‘saints’ refers only to Jewish people but Paul clearly debunks that theory by writing to the ‘saints’ in Ephesus, which was a Gentile church. Saints are clearly those who believe and confess Jesus as Lord and savior. 

Paul will reveal some great promises to these Gentile believers, promises such as – “In whom (the beloved – Jesus) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace”; and “after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession” ;  and after telling us that Jesus was raised up far above all principality and power and might and dominion (and this includes spiritual powers as well), “And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:”. No wonder we can be more than conquerors through Christ!

However, I would be negligent if I did not remind you that all these promises were given “to the faithful in Christ Jesus” – Eph. 1:1. The title of saint is given to those who are faithful in Christ. The lukewarm and those who love the world more than Christ are not included. In fact, when Jesus dictates His letter to the Ephesian church in Revelation 2, He alludes to this fact –

“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love” – Rev.2:4

It is so easy to become so busy with other things that we forget to be faithful to the calling we have in the Lord. The devil is sly, and the other things are often not bad in themselves, when put in the right perspective of life. For example; our jobs, or our families, entertainment, even so-called church work. Notice, Jesus often left the crowds and withdrew to place where He could be alone with His Father. Did He leave those who needed the gospel – yes. Did He leave those who needed healing or deliverance – yes. More important was the need to maintain His relationship with the Father who is the source of all things. Like the Ephesians, we must maintain our first love with Jesus by spending time with Him who is our source of life.

The days we live in are full of temptations and pressures all designed to rob us of the closeness we are meant to have with our Lord. Paul warned Timothy about these times –

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” – 2 Tim. 3:1

The word perilous means “hard to do or deal with, difficult, fierce,” and is said of the Gadarene demoniacs, Mat 8:28 . When Daniel prophesied about the coming Antichrist, he said ‘he will wear down the saints’. If you do not take time to be alone with the Lord, who is your true source of strength, you too will be worn down.

There are many other precious promises revealed in the Book of Ephesians but, I will conclude this article with this one –

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—” – Eph. 6:10-18

May the Lord bless and encourage you in these perilous days.