Ephesians 1 De-Calvinized

Dr. Leighton Flowers, Director of Evangelism and Apologetics for Texas Baptists, gives a brief 10 minute overview of Ephesians 1 from a Traditional/Provisionist perspective as in contrast with the typical Calvinistic reading.

The first chapter of Ephesians is a hotly contested passage regarding the doctrine of salvation. The first verse reveals that Paul’s audience is “the faithful in Christ Jesus.” In fact, the “in Christ” theme introduced in the apostle’s opening sentence continues through this entire section of the text. He repeats this phrase, in various forms, ten times in just thirteen verses.

I would like to pose a question for objective consideration. Let’s drop any preconceived ideas we have about this text and attempt to answer the question as honestly as we can.

How does one come to be “in Him?”

Does this passage state that he chose us individually to be effectually placed in him, or does it simply state, “he chose us in him?” Does it teach that Christ redeems us individually so that we might be irresistibly put in him or does it only teach, “In him we have redemption?” Does it say that God has chosen individuals to be in him, or does it say, “in him we were also chosen?”

Has God chosen individuals to be placed in Him? Or, has God chosen individuals who are in Him? Put another way…

Has God predetermined the individuals to be in the group? Or, has God chosen a group of individuals for a predetermined end? Some focus so much attention on the first 12 verses that they fail to see the last two verses where Paul gives an answer to this vital question; “How does one come to be in Him?”

13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation.

First question: When were they included in Christ?

Was it before the foundation of the earth? What answer does the text give?

“…when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation.”

Let’s continue to read:

When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

Second question: When were they marked in Him?

Was it before the world began and without any regard to their response to the gospel? What does the text say?

“When you believed, you were marked in him…”

The text seems to clearly indicate that God has predetermined that the “the faithful in Christ Jesus” (vs. 1) will become “holy and blameless” (sanctification – vs. 4) and they will be “adopted” (glorification – vs. 5). (Note: Romans 8:23 clearly indicates that Paul sees “adoption” as a future hope for all who come to faith.)

How do we know that we, believers in Christ, will be sanctified and glorified? Because God has marked us IN HIM and given us His Spirit as a guarantee of what he has purposed for all who believe.

This passage is not about God predetermining which individuals will be in Christ. It is about God predetermining what will become of those who are in Christ through belief in His truth.

For a more in-depth look at Ephesians 1 please consider these other videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4ncM...

Ephesians 1 contrasted with a Calvinistic reading from JD Greear: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o43rL...

An article on Eph. 1: https://soteriology101.com/2015/03/14...

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