What does "faith in Him" mean in the context of Ephesians 3:12? “In Him and through faith in Him we may enter God’s presence with boldness and confidence.” Setting the Scene • Paul has just revealed “the mystery of Christ,” namely that Gentiles are fellow heirs (3:6). • Everything centers “in Christ Jesus our Lord” (3:11). • Verse 12 explains how believers actually draw near to God: “through faith in Him.” What “faith in Him” Means 1. Personal Reliance • Faith (Greek: pistis) conveys being persuaded, convinced, and therefore resting in Christ’s person and work. • It is not mere assent; it is committing one’s whole weight to Jesus (John 1:12). 2. Union With Christ • “In Him” signals a real, spiritual union forged the moment we believe (2 Corinthians 5:17). • We share His righteous standing, so His boldness before the Father becomes ours (Hebrews 10:19–22). 3. Channel of Access • Faith is the God-appointed means by which we step into the throne room (Romans 5:1–2). • No ritual or personal merit opens the door—only trust in the crucified and risen Lord (John 14:6). Key Features of This Faith • Christ-centered: the object is Jesus, not the strength of our belief. • Ongoing: the Greek tense allows for a continuing lifestyle of trust, not a one-time event. • Confident: because Christ’s work is finished, faith produces “boldness” (parrēsia—freedom of speech) and “confidence” (pepoithēsis—firm assurance). Supporting Passages • Hebrews 4:16 — “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence.” • Romans 8:38-39 — Nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ. • Galatians 2:16 — Justification comes “by faith in Jesus Christ, and not by works of the law.” • Philippians 3:9 — “Not having my own righteousness… but that which is through faith in Christ.” Why This Matters Daily • Prayer: we speak freely, knowing the Father welcomes us. • Assurance: our access rests on Christ’s perfection, not fluctuating feelings. • Courage: we face opposition and trials with the same boldness we have before God (Acts 4:13). • Unity: all believers—Jew or Gentile, near or far—stand on equal footing at the throne (Ephesians 2:18). Living It Out • Keep the eyes of your heart fixed on Jesus’ sufficiency. • Let every approach to God (confession, petition, worship) be “through faith in Him.” • Remind fellow believers that bold access is their birthright in Christ. |
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