I’m still studying Ephesians, but business has taken me to China and then California during the past three weeks plus I had to get a magazine out (my paying job). While traveling, I have continued my studies and thinking.
While talking about what Paul’s saying in this letter, I skipped over Chapter 1 where he discusses “predestination.” Of course, he is not discussing John Calvin’s theory–he didn’t know Calvin. But the thought still is–why is it sometimes Paul talks of freedom and decision and other times he talks of being picked by God (predestined)?
Finally a memory of one of the talks during an Emmaus Walk popped up–the discussion of “prevenient grace.” The question that always comes up is “if God picked us to be saved before we were ever born, then what does it matter what we do with our lives.” When I studied the Puritans many years ago, I was taught that they got around that thorny issue by telling people that they should all behave as if they were saved so that no one would know. Today, it seems that we all behave as if we are not saved and then just trust that God will have picked us.
Another way to look at the situation is more like asking and responding. God’s grace is extended to you before you were ever born. It’s prevenient–pre-existing. God is always there, surrounding you, enveloping you in his Spirit. However, you have to respond. It’s as if someone asks you to a party, but you can’t celebrate with them unless you acknowledge the request and then say Yes. God is there, right now, and if you say yes, then you open yourself up to the gifts of God.
Of course, it’s not over yet. You must still grow in your relationship with God. That’s sort of what Paul’s talking about in the rest of Ephesians. How do you come to imitate God (what a disciple does in relation to his/her master). How you relate to others (husband/wife, parent children, master/slave–today’s terms probably employer/employee). How you fight the spirits of darkness. Every day you must “work out your salvation in fear and trembling,” but it all starts when you acknowledge that God is there before you asking you to come to relationship. That’s sort of what Paul’s saying in the beginning of the letter. God’s there. He “picked” you (actually, he picked everyone in the beginning). You just need to acknowledge and respond–then live with him.
Tags: Christianity, spirit
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