Topical Bible: Faith: Faith in Christ: Ephesians

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The Epistle to the Ephesians, attributed to the Apostle Paul, is a profound theological treatise that emphasizes the centrality of faith in Christ as the foundation of the Christian life. This letter, written to the church in Ephesus, explores the spiritual blessings and responsibilities that come with being united with Christ through faith.

Faith as a Gift from God

Ephesians 2:8-9 highlights the nature of faith as a divine gift: "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." Here, Paul underscores that salvation is not a result of human effort but is granted through faith, which itself is a gift from God. This passage emphasizes the grace of God as the source of salvation, with faith being the means by which believers receive this grace.

Unity and Faith in Christ

In Ephesians 4:4-5, Paul speaks to the unity of believers through faith: "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism." This passage stresses the singularity and unity of the Christian faith, which is centered on the Lordship of Christ. Faith in Christ unites believers into one body, the Church, and calls them to live in harmony and unity.

The Role of Faith in Spiritual Growth

Ephesians 3:16-17 reveals the role of faith in the believer's spiritual growth: "I pray that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith." Paul prays for the Ephesians to be strengthened by the Holy Spirit, with faith being the means by which Christ dwells in their hearts. This indwelling presence of Christ through faith is essential for spiritual maturity and growth.

Faith and the Armor of God

In Ephesians 6:16, faith is depicted as a crucial part of the spiritual armor: "In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." The shield of faith is portrayed as a defensive weapon that protects believers from spiritual attacks. Faith in Christ provides the strength and protection needed to withstand the challenges and temptations posed by the adversary.

Faith and Love

Ephesians 1:15-16 reflects on the relationship between faith and love: "For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers." Paul commends the Ephesians for their faith in Christ, which is inseparably linked to their love for fellow believers. This connection between faith and love is a recurring theme in the epistle, highlighting the transformative power of faith in Christ that manifests in love and service to others.

The Epistle to the Ephesians presents faith in Christ as a multifaceted and dynamic aspect of the Christian life, integral to salvation, unity, spiritual growth, protection, and love. Through faith, believers are united with Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and equipped to live out their calling as members of the body of Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

Ephesians 1:13,15
In whom you also trusted, after that you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that you believed, you were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Faith
... ChriEphesians 3:17. It is the espousing, incorporating grace, it gives us coalition
and union with Christ's person. Other graces make us like Christ, faith ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/1 faith.htm

Like Precious Faith
Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John. <. ... The object of faith
is Christ, the Christ whose blood and righteousness cleanses and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/like precious faith.htm

Peace, Love, and Faith
... Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith.'"Ephesians 6:23. ... so long, as you are
knit to Jesus Christ by the conscious exercise of a faith realised at ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/peace love and faith.htm

The Shield of Faith
... to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.'"Ephesians 6:16 ... is the victory that
overcometh the world'"not, our Christ, but"'even our faith.' And it ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the shield of faith.htm

The Christian Faith
... the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:11; Ephesians 3:16; Galatians 5:22) who "testifies
of Christ, as the Saviour of sinners, unites us to Him by faith, and makes ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study v the christian faith.htm

"Now the End of the Commandment," &C.
... is full of jealousies and suspicions, but when faith hath brought in Christ to dwell
in the heart, then it is rooted and built up in love, (Ephesians 3:17) and ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xiv now the end.htm

Salvation: Grace: Faith
... yourselves: it is the gift of God.'"Ephesians 2:8 ... only brought to bear in reference
to Christ's Gospel ... was not translated 'trust' instead of 'faith,' and then ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/salvation grace faith.htm

To the Ephesians
... I am, but I dedicate myself to you Ephesians"a church ... as faith cannot act like unbelief,
or unbelief like faith. ... For you do everything under Christ's control ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/richardson/early christian fathers/to the ephesians.htm

Faith Itself is the Gift of God; and Good Works Will not be ...
... men should arrogate to themselves the merit of their own faith at least ... now doing,
that we may be a new creation in Christ Jesus, according ... [1130] Ephesians 2:8 ...
/.../augustine/the enchiridion/chapter 31 faith itself is the.htm

Rejection of Errors
... grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. ... is by grace you have been
saved, through faith"and this ... works, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:3 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/synod of dort/rejection of errors.htm