The Holy Spirit’s power is a central theme in Ephesians 1 and 2. Paul reminds believers that God blesses us through Jesus by adopting us into His family and giving us the Holy Spirit. This Spirit serves as a guarantee of eternal life and resurrection. Paul, writing from prison, expresses gratitude for the Ephesians’ faith and love, and he prays for them to receive wisdom and revelation from God (Ephesians 1:17-19, ESV). Before the New Testament was complete, the Holy Spirit guided the early Church into truth. Today, the Spirit helps us understand Scripture, which He inspired.
Three Truths
Paul says the Spirit reveals three key truths. First, the Spirit helps us grasp the hope of our calling (Ephesians 4:4, ESV). Biblical hope is confident and future-focused, centering on eternal life and resurrection. This hope grows as we study Scripture and allow the Spirit to work in us. Second, the Spirit deepens our appreciation for our inheritance in Christ, which is eternal life. As we age and witness suffering, we long more for heaven, a place free of sin, pain, and death. Finally, the Spirit helps us comprehend God’s power in us. This power, described as “dunamis” in Greek, raised Jesus from the dead and works in every believer (Ephesians 1:19-23, ESV).
Paul also reflects on humanity’s condition before salvation. Without Christ, we were “dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1-3, ESV). We followed worldly desires, Satan’s influence, and our fleshly lusts. This made us “children of wrath,” deserving God’s judgment. However, through Christ’s sacrifice, God rescues us from sin and death, raising us to a position of grace and blessing.
The Holy Spirit’s power transforms our lives, enabling us to overcome sin and live for God. This same power that raised Jesus from the dead works in us, helping us grow in faith and righteousness (Romans 8:9-11, ESV). Jesus, seated at God’s right hand, reigns as King of Kings, with all authority subject to Him. He is the head of the Church, and no human institution or tradition can take His place.
In Christ, we experience God’s power, grace, and hope. The Holy Spirit leads us to a deeper understanding of these truths, transforming us into faithful servants of God.
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