The Sixth Sermon on the First Chapter - John Calvin
Ephesians 1:15-18 (KJV)
For this cause I also, having heard of the faith which ye have in Jesus Christ, and of the love which ye have towards all the saints, cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, should give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, to have knowledge of him, that is to say, to have the eyes of your mind enlightened, that ye might understand what is the hope of his calling, which ye ought to have, and what are the riches of the glory of his inheritance among the saints.
St. Paul’s Instruction to the Ephesians
We have seen already how St. Paul brought the Ephesians not only to the chief but also to the only cause of their salvation, showing that they must attribute the whole of it to God, without mixing any foolish pride, as if they themselves had contributed to God’s grace either by their free will or any good intention in them. St. Paul, therefore, has shown that not only the Ephesians to whom he spoke, but also those who had been God’s church before, ought without exception to confess that all their welfare proceeded from God’s free goodness alone. This is true not only because they were redeemed by means of our Lord Jesus Christ, but also because He called them to the belief of the gospel, in accordance with His election of them before the creation of the world.
Paul’s Sincere Witness Before God
Now, St. Paul endorses all this doctrine by the witness he bears as before God, magnifying God’s goodness even when he is separated from man’s eye and from the sight of all witnesses. It is true that the doctrine of the gospel ought not to be any less esteemed when preached openly before the world. However, the preacher must have the doctrine thoroughly imprinted on his heart, speaking the same before God and men. Otherwise, it would be but a jangle or profaning of God’s Word if a man speaks in the pulpit as if an angel, but is not affected in heart or persuaded of the truth of what he speaks. It would be better for such a man to be drowned a hundred times than to bear testimony to salvation and God’s truth without being persuaded in himself, that God and His angels might know that the message is truly imprinted on his heart.
The Need for Prayer and Humility in Teaching
Therefore, it is not without reason that, after St. Paul has preached about God’s free goodness in electing whom He pleased, in calling them to the knowledge of the gospel, and in confirming them with His strong hand, he adds that God knows his testimony to be sincere. He confesses the same doctrine before God even in his private prayers, where no man could know his thoughts or words, praying for God to finish what He has begun. Here, we observe that those who intend their labor to edify the church must not only teach but also pray to God to work with them by His power and grace. Often, we may simply “beat the air” if we do not pray for God to further the doctrine we preach. We are unprofitable instruments on our own; it is only when God works with us that our efforts are effective.
The Importance of Prayer in All Christian Life
Likewise, when we come to be taught God’s Word, or when any of us reads it privately, we should not imagine our minds are so discerning that we can fully understand all Scripture. Instead, we should acknowledge our lack of understanding and pray to God to make His doctrine prevail with us. This is highlighted by St. Paul’s approach to prayer and thanksgiving. St. Paul thanks God for the faith and love he hears about in the Ephesians, but he continues his prayer for them to be further enlightened. The chief sacrifice God requires is that we honor Him for all His benefits and yield Him praise for them. St. Paul’s example teaches that we should continually thank God, as He continually pours out His benefits on us.
The Spiritual Gifts of Faith and Love
In addition, faith and love are gifts of God and should not be attributed to ourselves due to pride. If faith were something we could achieve on our own, we would owe no praise to God for it. However, St. Paul blesses God for enlightening the Ephesians’ faith and forming their hearts to love. It is clear that everything comes from God. The heathens and even some Christians mistakenly believe that they can achieve faith by their own actions. St. Paul shows that, whenever any church is grounded in the gospel, it is God who deserves all the glory for it. We are naturally opposed to God until He changes our hearts, as the prophet Ezekiel teaches.
Faith and Love as the Summary of Christian Life
St. Paul summarizes the Christian life with the two virtues of faith and love, encompassing the entire law. The first table of the law teaches us to worship one God only, and the second calls us to live justly with others. St. Paul’s mention of faith in Jesus Christ and love as central aspects of Christian life underscores their importance. Faith, in particular, involves complete submission to God, acknowledging that He has rescued us from sin and promises us eternal life. Faith is not idle; it implies prayer, supplication, and dependence on God.
Love for Neighbors and Holiness
As for love, it is essential that we live uprightly with our neighbors, avoiding selfishness and seeking to do good to all people, especially those of the household of faith. We are called to love all men, but especially fellow believers, as they share a closer bond with us. This love is not just a feeling but an active expression of helping others and living in righteousness, not following false rituals or empty ceremonies. To love others, we must live morally and behave in ways that honor God.
Faith in Jesus Christ as the Key to Salvation
St. Paul also stresses the importance of faith in Jesus Christ as the true test of our faith. While others may claim to believe in God, without Christ, they are lost. Even those who claim to be Christians, but seek their own merits or trust in saints, are in error. We must place our faith fully in Jesus Christ, as He is the way to salvation. The faith that St. Paul speaks of is not a theoretical belief but a relationship with Christ, our mediator, through whom we approach God.
The Role of Jesus Christ in Our Faith
Jesus Christ is the mediator between God and humanity. He is not another God, but God Himself, revealed to us in the flesh. Through His humility, He brings us into relationship with the Father. St. Paul shows that faith must be placed in Christ alone, as He is the only one who can lead us to the Father. Without Christ, we cannot approach God, for His glory is too great for us to behold without His grace.
The Need for Spiritual Growth and Humility
St. Paul continues his prayer for the Ephesians, asking that God increase the spiritual gifts He has given them. Even though the Ephesians have already received the spirit of revelation, they still need more of God’s grace. This is a reminder that, no matter how spiritually advanced we become, we should always seek God’s help to grow and persevere in our faith. St. Paul’s example teaches us that we must be humble and prayerful, recognizing that our spiritual growth is dependent on God.
The Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation
St. Paul prays that God would give the Ephesians the spirit of wisdom and revelation. While they have already received the truth of the gospel, they still need God to continue revealing His truth to them. This shows that our understanding of God’s Word is a continual process, and we must always seek further enlightenment from the Holy Spirit. Without God’s help, our understanding remains limited, and we need His guidance to grow in wisdom.
The Importance of Knowing God Through Christ
Finally, St. Paul emphasizes that all true knowledge and wisdom are found in knowing God through His Son, Jesus Christ. This is the ultimate revelation that we need. Our understanding is limited by sin, and we need God to open our eyes to His truth. In Christ, we find everything necessary for our salvation, and through Him, we come to know the Father. St. Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians serves as a model for our own prayers, reminding us to continually seek God’s wisdom and grace in our lives.
Conclusion: Relying on God’s Grace
In conclusion, St. Paul teaches that we must rely on God’s grace for everything, from our faith to our ability to love others. We are called to submit ourselves fully to God, acknowledging that all good things come from Him. Faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation of our salvation, and we must continue to seek God’s wisdom and guidance throughout our lives. May we humbly acknowledge our shortcomings and rely on God’s grace to grow in faith and love until we are fully perfected in Him.