Restored
One of the central themes of Ephesians is unity. This unity is not exclusive to God and man but also extends to unity within the Body of believers. What makes this all-encompassing unity possible? As we see in the Ephesian church, Christ has removed all of the obstacles that separated the two groups (Jews and Gentiles) and resulted in their hostility to one another (Eph 2:12–18). This truth that Paul communicates urges believers to see the unity and new life they have been ushered into through Jesus. This is not merely a nice idea for an age that is yet to arrive. It is to shape the very actions of our current lives. But we cannot be mistaken. It isn’t through our effort or intellect that we experience this change. It is by Christ, and Christ alone. For that, Jesus is worthy of exaltation.
Exaltation is an interesting, important, and somewhat abstract concept but one that is central for Paul. What I mean by that is I don’t think it jumps off of the page as you read. The word exalt means, to be lifted high in regard or to dignify. When I think of that definition, Jesus’ preferred title, “Son of Man,” comes to mind (Lk. 22:69; Acts 7:56). This title speaks directly to the exaltation of Jesus or lifting Jesus to a position of dignified regard, “Standing at the right hand of God.” Connecting back to Daniel 7, we see this “Son of Man” figure as the one who has been instilled with the power and authority for redemption. Most powerfully, Paul in his letter to the Ephesians, shows us who is eligible for this redemption through the exalted Christ. It is for everyone. Consider the power of Paul’s words, “even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace, you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” (Eph.2:5-7) There are four key truths of our redemption and reconciliation in Christ in Ephesians:
- Jesus, the exalted one, has brought me up to be exalted with him. (Eph. 1:19-21; 6:10)
- Why is this important? The truth is, Jesus has done all the work for us and too often, we drift back to legalism and focus on our works.
- The gift of redemption is truly for everyone, you included. (Eph. 2:8-9)
- Why is this important? Even when I don’t feel worthy or deserving of receiving such a lavish gift, God does and acts accordingly.
- Because Jesus is exalted, my redemption and hope are secure. (Eph.1:21-22; 3:14-21; 5:8-9)
- Why is this important? This means my hope and redemption are secure, and I am safe.
- My identity has been changed, which sets me free to live in the fullness of that new identity. (Eph. 1:11-14; 4:1-3,17; 5:1-2; 6:11-18)
- Why is this important? I do not have to come up with the next step(s); it is already there for me to follow.
Jesus has brought unity between God and man. And in that restoration, Jesus also makes it possible for humanity to be unified to each other. But, we must not be mistaken. Our restoration and unification is only because of Jesus. He is the one who offers life-changing restoration.