Ephesians 3
Unveiling the Mystery: A Journey Through Ephesians 3
The Mystery Revealed in Christ
As we read through Ephesians 3, we’re reminded that God has been unveiling something beautiful and world-changing: the mystery of salvation through Jesus Christ. Paul uses that word—mystery—over and over again in this chapter, and it's worth pausing to really grasp its significance. This isn’t some cryptic puzzle; it’s a truth that was once hidden and is now joyfully revealed.
From the beginning of Ephesians, Paul has been laying the groundwork: in chapter 1, verse 9, he wrote that God “made known to us the mystery of his will… set forth in Christ… to unite all things in him.” And now, in chapter 3, Paul doubles down—this mystery has now been made known. In verses 3–6, he tells us clearly: the mystery is that Gentiles are fellow heirs with Jews, united in Christ, and full participants in the promises of the gospel.
This is massive. In a world filled with division—ethnic, social, political—God is creating something radically new: one unified people in Christ. Anyone, from any background, can belong. That’s the first part of the mystery. The second is even more mind-blowing: God is unveiling this mystery through the Church.
The Church: God’s Plan to Display His Wisdom
Verse 10 says it best: “so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.”
Let’s stop and think about that. Angels and demons, heavenly rulers and cosmic powers—they’re watching us. God is using the church—us—to show off his glory, power, and grace. That means the way we live as a community matters. We’re not just a gathering of people who believe the same thing—we’re God's living, breathing message to the world and beyond.
So what makes the church distinct?
Worship and the Word – We gather weekly to worship God, to sit under the teaching of Scripture, and to receive the sacraments of communion and baptism. That rhythm shapes us.
Unity – In a divided world, the church should be the place where people say, “How are you even friends?” because we don’t look alike, vote alike, or come from the same stories. But we are one in Christ.
Forgiveness and Healing – We model repentance. We admit we’re wrong. We extend grace to others. We don’t claim perfection—we cling to mercy.
Justice and Compassion – From the Old Testament to the New, God calls his people to care for the vulnerable. The church should be known for love in action.
Still, this is challenging. We can get caught up in theological debates, infighting, or reacting to culture wars. But we’re reminded here: stay on mission. The church is God’s chosen vessel to reveal Christ to a watching world. Let’s not get distracted.
Freedom and Confidence: Our New Reality in Christ
Verse 12 is a gem: “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”
Think about that in light of the Old Testament. Back then, you couldn’t just stroll into God’s presence. Priests wore special garments, entered sacred spaces at specific times, and even had ropes tied around them in case they didn’t survive the encounter. But now? Because of Jesus, we can come to God freely.
No rituals. No fear. Just confidence. Not in ourselves, but in Christ. He has broken down every barrier—between people, and between humanity and God. The dividing wall is gone. The veil is torn.
And we don’t come in arrogance—we come in awe. In love. In gratitude. Because this God who created the cosmos welcomes us into relationship. That’s not small. That’s not casual. That’s cosmic magnitude and magnificence.
Rooted in Love, Filled with God
We want to end where Paul ends: in prayer. Because all of this—the mystery, the mission, the mercy—is something we can’t live out in our own strength. So together, we bow our knees and pray Paul's words over our lives and our church:
"That according to the riches of his glory, he may strengthen us with power through his Spirit in our inner being... that we may be rooted and grounded in love... and that we may be filled with all the fullness of God."
God’s mystery is no longer hidden. It’s been revealed in Christ. And now, we are the stewards of that mystery. Let’s live in a way that makes people ask, “What’s different about you?” And when they do, let’s point them to Jesus—the mystery, the message, and the Messiah.
To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus, through all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
