Ephesians 3

“In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence” (12). Paul wanted to reassure the Ephesian believers (mostly Gentiles) that they were not second-class citizens; together with Israel, they were “members of one body” and “sharers together in the promise of Christ Jesus” (6). Through faith in Jesus, they were completely accepted by the Father and could approach Him with full confidence.

The enemy of our souls wants us to think we are spiritual outsiders, needing to earn our position or beg for our prayers to be heard. Instead, God wants to give us power to grasp “how wide and long and high and deep” is Christ’s love for us (18-19).