Participants in the mystery
As fellow members of the body, we are to share in all the privileges and responsibilities of body function.
Paul’s letter to the saints in Ephesus turns our hearts to the heaven lies where we are seated with Christ. From this balcony view, we see the church as a bride, as a building, and as a body. Looking at the church as the body, we see ourselves as its fellow members.
Paul’s stated reason for writing this letter to the Ephesians is to share the revelation of the mystery of Christ that was given to him. Namely, that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs and fellow members of the body of Christ! He tells us that keeping this in mind will help us understand his writing.
The oneness of the body is indeed a glorious truth revealed by the Spirit of God. But we may not realize the importance of it if we see things only from our present day in the local church. Take a moment to look at the big picture and gaze into the wonder of it all: we are fellow members of the body of Christ! To truly appreciate the significance of this, we must go back. Back to what we were, back to where we came from. Then, we must consider where we are now and how we got here.
Then and now
Ephesians 2 reminds us that we were dead in our trespasses and sins. We were disobedient, following the course of this world. We were doomed as children of wrath. We were desperate, without hope and without God in this world. And we were distant, being referred to as those who were far off. That’s where we’ve come from.
In Ephesians 2:13, Paul uses two words, “But now”, to introduce where we presently are. It is not a rude interruption; it is a divine intervention. We are now brought near. The wall of separation has been demolished, and the law of condemnation has been abolished. We are now fellow citizens with the saints and fellow members of the household of God (Eph. 2:19).
How? By the blood of Christ (Eph. 2:13) and by His work of the cross (Eph. 2:16). Picture His two hands stretched out. One hand reaching out to the Jew and the other reaching out to the Gentile alike, to bring us all to Himself. He makes one new man, reconciling them both into one body. For Gentiles to be saved is not new. But to be fellow members of the body of Christ, Jew and Gentile alike, is a brand new concept.
Consequences
As fellow members of the body, we are to share in all the privileges and responsibilities of body function. While we are fellow heirs, we are also fellow workers. While we are fellow citizens with the saints, we are also fellow soldiers. We are fellow servants, fellow prisoners, and fellow labourers. We are called to a partnership in all aspects of body life, each member doing its part. The camaraderie we share is thrilling, unless you sing as I’ve heard sung before,
To dwell above with saints we love;
Oh, that will be glory!
But to dwell below with saints we know;
Now, that’s another story!
Time to rephrase that old chorus, isn’t it? Try this,
We come from ev’ry tribe and tongue,
To tell Redemption’s story;
To share and bear and show we care;
And do so for God’s glory.
As fellow heirs with Christ, we share the inheritance. There will be no dispute at the reading of His will. As fellow workers, we share in His work. The apostle Paul acknowledges by name his fellow workers and their work. We should, too.
With all the diversity of the body, we have Christ in common, and He makes us one. We are stuck together for eternity, so we should stick together here and now. As fellow members, we share the blessing and burden with all our brethren worldwide.
Lastly, Colossians 3:15 reminds us to, “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.”