In the difficult first chapter of Ephesians, Paul writes about the predestination of believers to certain blessings. He also writes about “the riches of [God’s] grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose which he set forth in Christ…” (Eph 1:8, 9, ESV. Emphasis mine). Here again, we have an existential and universal display of God’s grace, which is found “in Christ” in the context of the redemption or salvation provided (1:7) and made known to us. Indeed, note the language of abundant revelation – grace is “lavished upon us.” (1;7,8) Also note the full disclosure of this grace in God “making known to us the mystery of his will.” (1:9) “This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” (3:6) This mystery is “set forth” (1:9) in Christ in whom is “the promise” that one partakes of “through the gospel.” (3:6) God’s grace has not been kept secret with respect to any individual. God’s grace and salvific will for us as sinners is made known “in Christ,” and that grace and salvation are universal in scope and applicability. It is for both Jew and Gentile. It is for all people.
Indeed, in the Greek text, the phrases “in Christ,” “in Jesus Christ”, “in him,” “in whom” or “in the Beloved” occur 17 times in the first 13 verses of Ephesians! Nothing is hidden from any person regarding God’s salvific grace to them! This is in direct contrast to whether grace might be withheld or granted to a person as taught in the Calvinist doctrines of irresistible grace, unconditional election, and predestination. According to the scriptures, grace is not irresistibly applied to only certain persons predestined to salvation. Grace is found in the historical appearance of Christ Jesus. God’s grace and salvation are therefore universally proclaimed in the gospel (3:6,7). As such, the salvation that God’s grace has wrought is attainable by faith (3:12). This is so precisely because “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses…” (v. 7) and because this is “according to the riches of his grace which he lavished upon us.” (v.8)
Go to the next section: Grace in Galatians
Chapter 14 – The Nature of Grace in Scripture
The Truth of the Gospel 