Monday, September 08, 2008

Ephesians

From belief to behavior.

The structure of Paul's letter to the Ephesians is founded on the principle that true beliefs about God result in godly behavior. Morality comes from a correct understanding of God's character. Community unity is produced by a correct understanding of God's calling. Family harmony results from being filled with the Holy Spirit.

Part of the equation is the believer's identity in Christ. When we understand that we are redeemed saints with Chris'ts imputed righteousness, that should make a diffeence. However, this is a partial picture. Our identity in Christ is only one piece of the belief tapestry that transforms us. Giftedness is a function of calling and indwelling, not a function of identity. Understanding God's character and applying that to morality goes beyond our imputed righteounsness. Submission in relationships may be founded on our identity in Christ, but it is a separate thought process. Salvation gives us a new identity but sanctification is much more complex than knowing who we are.

Being or Doing?
We are well aware that living for Christ cannot be about works and performance. It must be about knowing God. But we cannot say it is never about doing. Being without doing is just as incomplete as doing without being.

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