Ephesians 2:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

NIV: in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

NASB: so that in the ages to come He might show the boundless riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

CSB: so that in the coming ages he might display the immeasurable riches of his grace through his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

NLT: So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.

KJV: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

NKJV: that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

Paul transitions from past (Ephesians 2:1) to present, and now to the future. One day, God will reveal all of the power and glory of His grace. In Ephesians 1:19 Paul mentioned the "immeasurable greatness" of God's power toward us who believe. Now he speaks of future immeasurable riches. God's greatness is clearly beyond human measurement, both in what we receive now, and in what He has promised us for the future.

God's grace is noted again as a blessing related to divine kindness. God's kindness is intended to lead us to repentance (Romans 2:4). He shows kindness to believers, but judgment toward unbelievers (Romans 11:22). Kindness is also to be displayed in the lives of believers who seek to follow the Lord (2 Corinthians 6:6; Galatians 5:22; Colossians 3:12). Titus 3:4 also speaks of the kindness of Christ in saving us. Grace is a kind gesture of God towards those who believe.

Ephesians 2:1–10 clearly explains the relationship between our lack of obedience, the grace of God, and our salvation. Those who are saved by Christ do not deserve this salvation. It is only by mercy, and by grace, that God chooses to forgive. In this section, Paul will repeat the claim that human effort has no impact on salvation whatsoever. No Christian can brag about their ''goodness,'' since we are saved entirely by the grace of God, not by our own good deeds.

Paul repeatedly emphasizes that salvation is accomplished on the basis of grace, through faith. Good works, human effort, and our best intentions will never be enough to earn salvation. Every person is marked with sin, both deliberate and accidental, and for this reason we deserve to be separated from God. Only through His mercy and grace can we be saved, leaving no room for bragging. This also means that all who are saved, Jew and Gentile alike, are part of the same spiritual family. There is no cause for hostility between believers; we are all unworthy, and all saved by the same kindness of God.

The first three chapters of Ephesians focus on doctrinal issues; the last three show how those principles should be applied in real life. Chapter 2 makes a pair of related points about our status as saved believers. First, salvation is entirely dependent on the grace of God, not human efforts. Second, this means all Christians are part of the same family, Jew and Gentile alike. This bridges chapter 1's explanation of God's awesome glory to chapter 3's discussion of God bringing His long-awaited plan into action.

Ephesians follows a theme common in Paul's writings: connecting theory with practice. In this book, however, he goes into greater depth before making the transition. As a letter meant to be read by more than just the believers at Ephesus, this is an important look at how Christian belief should translate into Christian action. The first three chapters lay out spiritual ideas, the last three chapters show how these truths should be applied in the life of a mature believer. Paul focuses heavily on love, the unity of the Christian church, and the incredible value of our salvation through Christ.

Accessed 5/2/2024 3:12:04 AM