Prayer for Revelation: The Fullness of the Gospel in Ephesians 1

By Pastor Stephan Joseph

The gospel is often presented as simple: humanity is sinful, Christ died for our sins, and through faith in Him, we are saved. While this is true, it is not the full story. Ephesians 1 unveils a breathtaking, multidimensional view of God’s eternal plan—a plan that spans eternity, transforms creation, and brings heaven and earth under Christ’s authority. This chapter challenges us to move beyond the basics and embrace the fullness of what God has accomplished.

The Gospel: Simple but Not Full

To illustrate this, imagine asking someone if there’s gas in the car. They say yes, but when you get in, the gas light is on. Technically, they weren’t lying what they said is not false—there is gas—but it wasn’t full. You feel misled. Similarly, the gospel as commonly presented isn’t false—it’s just not full. Ephesians 1 gives us the full picture of God’s redemptive plan. Paul begins Ephesians with a hymn of praise (Ephesians 1:3–14), celebrating God’s eternal plan. This passage reveals how the gospel operates across multiple dimensions:

• The Invisible Realm: Christ’s victory impacts unseen powers and principalities (Ephesians 1:10; Colossians 1:20)
• Time: God’s plan spans from eternity past to eternity future (Ephesians 1:4)
• The Physical Realm: Creation itself longs for redemption (Romans 8:22)
• Personal Application: The gospel transforms individuals through forgiveness, adoption, and purpose (Ephesians 1:7–10)

Election: Chosen for a Purpose

“He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4).
Election often sparks confusion. Some see it as exclusivity, but Scripture consistently ties election to a redemptive mission. For example:

• Abraham was chosen to bless all nations (Genesis 12:3)
• Israel was called to be a light to the Gentiles (Isaiah 49:6)
• Paul was chosen to bring the gospel to Jews and Gentiles alike (Acts 26:16–18)

Election is not about favoritism but responsibility. Think of firefighters—they’re chosen from their community to serve it, even at great personal cost. Similarly, God’s people are chosen to reflect His glory and draw others into His kingdom.

God’s Plan Through History

Paul traces God’s plan through history, showing how it culminates in Christ. Consider these key moments:

1. Creation and Fall: Humanity was created to reflect God’s glory but fell into sin (Genesis 1–3)
2. Abraham and Israel: God chose Abraham’s family to restore blessing to the world (Genesis 12; Galatians 3:16)
3. Jesus Christ: The promises made to Abraham find their fulfillment in Jesus, who inherits all things (Galatians 3:16; Romans 9)
4. Jew-Gentile Unity: Through Christ, Jews and Gentiles are united into one body (Ephesians 2:14–16)

Paul uses analogies like firemen who became arsonists—Israel was meant to extinguish sin but often contributed to it instead. Yet God remained faithful, narrowing His promises down to one person—Jesus—who would fulfill them perfectly.

Spiritual Blessings in Christ

Paul lists several blessings believers receive in Christ (Ephesians 1:3–14):

• Election: Chosen for holiness and purpose (v.4).
• Adoption: Made children of God through Jesus Christ (v.5).
• Redemption: Delivered from sin through His blood (v.7).
• Forgiveness: Our sins are forgiven by His grace (v.7).
• Revelation of God’s Will: Understanding His eternal plan in Christ (v.9–10).
• Inheritance: A share in Christ’s eternal glory (v.11).
• Sealing by the Spirit: Assurance of salvation through the Holy Spirit as a down payment of our inheritance (v.13–14).

To illustrate sealing by the Spirit, think of an ancient wax seal on a letter—it certifies authenticity and ownership. Similarly, the Holy Spirit marks believers as genuinely belonging to God.

Praying for Revelation

Paul transitions from teaching theology to praying for his readers’ spiritual growth. He prays that believers would grasp three profound truths (Ephesians 1:17–19):

1. The Hope of His Calling: Understanding our eternal destiny as co-heirs with Christ.
2. The Riches of His Inheritance: Recognizing that we share in Christ’s glory.
3. The Greatness of His Power: Experiencing the same power that raised Jesus from the dead.

This prayer reminds us that head knowledge alone is insufficient; we need heart revelation from the Holy Spirit.

Key Analogies That Bring Ephesians 1 Alive

Throughout this chapter, analogies help illuminate Paul’s teaching:

Assurance Through God’s Faithfulness

God’s faithfulness to Israel demonstrates His commitment to His promises—even when His people fail Him repeatedly. If He preserved Israel through centuries of rebellion, how much more will He keep those sealed by His Spirit?
“In Him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth” (Ephesians 1:13).
This sealing assures us that our salvation is authentic and secure.

Conclusion

Ephesians 1 challenges us to see beyond ourselves and embrace the cosmic scope of the gospel. It calls us to meditate on what it means to be in Christ: chosen, adopted, redeemed, forgiven, empowered by His Spirit, and destined for glory. As Paul prayed for revelation for his readers, let us also pray for deeper understanding: Father, enlighten our hearts so that we may know the hope of Your calling, the riches of Your inheritance, and the greatness of Your power at work within us. Amen