Upon reading my last entry a wise person asked a question that needed answering.(this implies that some questions do not need answering) Reading about the work of the Church, proclaiming the gospel, this person asked if it was not enough for the church to exist for the glorifying of God?(Eph 1:12) Valid question. Is the church a place where things happen or a place where God is glorified in His people coming together?
To answer this we will look at the greeting that Paul give the church in this first chapter of Ephesians. 10 times in these first 14 verses is the phrase “In Christ”, “In him” or “through Christ” is used. It is this understanding of Paul's theology that brings to light the idea of God's people being “in” or not “in”. Some might conclude that this is an elitist stance on Christianity but we need to see it in the light of Paul's other main theological vein “freedom”. Paul's open address to this group of Christians is stained with a loving God who includes all that come to him. It is not a diagnostic tool for people to say if someone is in or out of the inner circle but rather an invitation to join life “in Christ”. This is what brings glory to God. When those not “in”, join “in”. Not in some crazy cultist practice but realizing that the freedom that is offered gives hope. It is the option to join in with the work of God on this earth, the Missio Dei. This is for the Glory of God.
The mention of the church being “in Christ” means that we are to be doing what ever Christ did.(Head/Hands/Heart) It is not enough to sit in groups on a Sunday as Christians and worship(although this is hugely important). We need to be involved in proclaiming the gospel. It is when we, and others put our hope “in Christ” that we praise God and give him Glory.(Eph 1:12) It is about God anyway.(Another 10 times Ephesians 1 we see God being the focus; His will, his plan, his possession.) When the focus as a church turns from God to us we are not glorifying God. We glorify God when we participate in the mission of God. When we show others the life that we have “in Christ”, and point them to a personal and cooperate life “in Christ”.
We are God's possessions, doing his work, for his glory.(Eph 1:14)
