    Today begins our study of the Book of Ephesians. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is a great exposition on the deep mystery of the Gospel. Within this letter, Paul seeks to explain to the reader, by the power of the Holy Spirit, the purpose and scope of the Gospel and the faith that results from it. From this teaching, Christians can take the Gospel and apply it to their everyday lives, the goal of all Christians until Christ comes again.
    As will all Bible studies, it is best to study the text with the assistance of study aids to act as a guide. The purpose of such assistance is to give the reader a frame of reference when looking at the text. A good place to start is the People’s Bible Commentary available from the Northwest Publishing House of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. I have also provided a link to the public domain commentary available at Biblegateway.com, the source of most of the linked Bible verses in this study.
    This study is part of an ongoing three-year Bible Study first begun on 1 January 2006 that is also available from the WELS.
    Our faith is not our own. What could prompt me to make a such a bold statement? The fact that I know that my faith was given to me by my God as a free extension of His Grace. Not only was this faith given to me, it was promised to me since before time as a gift. How much more amazing of a gift can anyone receive than salvation promised since before time.
    What does one do with a precious gift? Imagine someone gave you a valuable painting. Would that painting sit hidden in a bank vault? Perhaps some would do so, but far more people would proudly display that painting for everyone to see, showing everyone the gift and allowing everyone to enjoy it.
    Our faith is that kind of gift, only infinitely more valuable. God did not give us faith to wait around with in until we die or Christ comes again. No, He gave us our faith for a purpose, first to save us and give us the guarantee of an eternity in Heaven with Him, then to spread His Gospel by our words and deeds.
    As we will see, our faith has purpose, and it is a purpose that begins at the moment we receive that faith. That purpose itself does not save us, only Christ’s sacrifice can save, but that purpose does strengthen, protect, and preserve us and allow us to act as instruments of God’s Will during the time He has given us. This is the purpose we should dedicate our lives to, in joyful thanksgiving for the free gift of Grace.
DLH
