Ephesians 1:21-23

"Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named [above every title that can be conferred], not only in this age and in this world, but also in the age and the world which are to come" Ephesians 1:21.

No authority or power, natural or supernatural is greater than what was given to Jesus Christ. Victory, not defeat, is what we can walk in every day of life. Because He is the Victor and we are "in Him," we too can be victorious over sin. We can be "more than conquerors" when we yield ourselves to the all-conquering Christ.

22. "And He has put all things under His feet and has appointed Him the universal and supreme Head of the church [a headship exercised throughout the church]"

Many of the words from original text in this verse were ancient "military" words, and thus remind us that what is going on in God's strategic plan here in these few verses, relates to the war being waged for the souls of man. We are in a war and we are the prize sought for in this great battle! We, whom are in Christ, have Him, Jesus as our Commander-In-Chief.

I have worked for two men in my military career, whom both carried the title and authority as Commander-In-Chief... I know, first-hand how they awakened to the battle plans, briefings, and war readiness fervor. Standing before great maps of the battle plan... They called out orders and everyone scrambled to make them happen with articulate obedience. They were so intimate with all of what was going on, but our (the church's) "universal and Supreme Head" Commander is "far above all rule and authority and power and dominion". Amen?

23. "Which is His body, the fullness of Him Who fills all in all [for in that body lives the full measure of Him Who makes everything complete, and Who fills everything everywhere with Himself]."

It is interesting that Paul uses so many terms to describe us, the body of Christ, the church. Each description providing a different facet of truth into who we are: Saints... Ephesians 1:1, Faithful in Christ Jesus... Eph 1:1, "us who believe"... Eph 1:19, the church in all her glory... Eph 5:27, His body... Eph 1:23, His Workmanship... Eph 2:10, One New Man... Eph 2:15, Fellow Citizens... Ephesians 2:19, Fellow Heirs... Eph 3:6, God's household... Eph 2:19, a dwelling of God in the Spirit... Eph 2:22, children of light... Eph 5:8, the brethren... Eph 6:23, those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with a love incorruptible... Eph 6:24.

In all of these descriptions, we are reminded that "we" have the fullness... (pleroma)... total quantity with emphasis upon completeness of Christ. The church is the completeness or complement of Christ for as a head must have a body to manifest glory of the head, so the Lord has His body to manifest His "glory."

Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 2:1-2 next time.

I love you.