by Bernadette Jasmin

Created on: August 27, 2008

The Apostle Paul addressed several groups of people during his ministry. In Ephesus he counseled a group of faithful saints in living the higher principles of salvation. There are several components to his teachings. He addressed "the dispensation of the fullness of times", Jesus Christ as the cornerstone, unity in families, and putting on the "armor of God".

The dispensation of the fullness of times

A dispensation is a span of time recognized by God in which certain things are to be accomplished according to his plan. He described in particular the period of time called "the dispensation of the fullness of times". There are some main points that Paul described that would happen during this time period. Christ rose from the dead would be given "principality, power, dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come. (Ephesians 1:21)

Paul mentioned and explained several concepts of which foreordination, adoption, and grace are just some. The foreordination of individuals to salvation is a concept that is debated among the studiers of scripture. There will always be some questions as to what Paul meant in these verses. Are some individuals predestined to have salvation given to them? Or is there an element of worthiness involved? Because of Paul's further explanation of being saved by grace and faith it can be seen that one is not automatically given carte blanche to eternal life. Some effort has to be made. The second principle is that those worthy saints who were converted unto Christ and stayed faithful would be adopted into his family.

Jesus Christ is the cornerstone

During Christ ministry on earth he built his church with several components put in place. He gave (11) "some, apostles; some prophets; and some evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;" (12) "For the perfecting of the saints," (Ephesians 4:11-12) Himself being the "cornerstone". A cornerstone is essential in keeping a structure from falling. He emphasizes that there is to be one faith, one Lord and one baptism.

Unity in families

As the saints built families in Christ, Paul counseled them that they needed to be unified and teach their families the principles of salvation. The relationship between husbands and wives is compared to the association between Christ and the church.

Husbands are to love their wives and be willing to give up their lives for them. In turn wives are to abide with love and respect for their mates. They are to live together teaching

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>