In Christ: Living the Gospel We’ve Received

In Ephesians 1:1-2, Paul opens his letter by showing that the whole Christian life is headed by Christ. Paul is an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God. The church is made up of saints who are faithful in Christ Jesus. Grace and peace come from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

This greeting is not spiritual small talk. It teaches us that the Gospel comes with Christ’s authority, the Christian lives from Christ’s identity, and the believer receives grace and peace from Christ. Before Ephesians calls us to walk worthy, stand firm, love the church, fight sin, and pray, it first reminds us that we begin with what God has done in Christ.

For Christians, this means our deepest identity is not found in usefulness, failure, family role, suffering, or reputation. We are saints in Christ Jesus. For those not yet in Christ, this passage holds out the only true source of grace for guilt and peace with God. We invite you to gather with Refuge Church Centralia as we continue through Ephesians and see the glory of Christ in all.