Resurrection as Salvation in Ephesians

Preamble

I want to demonstrate that for Paul in Ephesians it is the Resurrection (and Exaltation) of Jesus that is the primary instrument of salvation.

Ephesians 2:1-10

That Ephesians 2:1-10 is a unit can be seen by the inclusio using the verb "walk" (vs 2, 10).  The opening idea states the problem:  we are dead because of trespasses and sins.  This disobedience (v. 2) brings about God's wrath (v. 3).  The solution does not come until v. 5 and again the idea is repeated that we are dead in out trespasses.  The first verbs are "he made [us] alive with" (v. 5)  and "he raised [us] with [him]" (v.6).  This is the grace by which we are saved (v. 5).  It is clear that the solution is our resurrection from spiritual death.  This is predicated on the resurrection of Jesus.  Ephesians 1:20, which immediately precedes 2:1-10, says that God raised him from the dead.

The next verb in v. 6 is "seated us with [him]" in the heavenlies.  This exaltation again echoes what happened to Jesus in 1:20 where Jesus is seated on the right of God in the heavenlies.  This resurrection and exaltation no doubt is what is in mind in the very beginning of Ephesians when we are told that we are blessed with (1) every spiritual blessing, (2) in the heavenlies, and (3) in Christ (v. 1:3).

When we come to 2:8, a verse so dear to evangelicals, we read that we are saved by grace.  I have already contended that the grace involved here is Jesus' resurrection/exaltation.  But we read on: we are saved "through faith".  I have already blogged on this verse but I will hammer my point again.

Jesus' Obedience as key to his Resurrection/Exaltation

I will lay out the evidence with the condition and the instrument of that condition:

• 1:3 having  blessed us ------------- in Christ
• 1:4 he chose us ------------------- in Him
• 1:5 having predestined us  to sonship ------------------ through Jesus Christ
• 1:6 he favored us -------------------------- in the Beloved One
• 1:7 we have redemption/forgiveness of trespasses ----- in whom/through the blood of  him
• 1:9 having made known to us the mystery -------------- in Him
• 1:10 to sum up all things ------------------ in Christ/in Him
• 1:11 we were made an inheritance --------------- in whom/in Christ
• 1:13 salvation, sealed -------------- in whom/in whom
• 1:14 inheritance/redemption ----------------- [in whom]
• 1:20 he exerted ----------------------- in Christ
• 2:7 grace  --------------------------- in Christ
• 2:8 grace, saved ------------------ through faith
• 2:10 masterpiece -------------------------- in Christ Jesus
• 2:13 brought near -------------------------- in Christ Jesus/in the blood of Him
• 2:14 peace ------------------------------ in the flesh of Him
• 2:16 reconciled ---------------------------- through the cross
• 2:18 access --------------------------------through Him
• 3:12 access -----------------------------in whom/through the faithfulness of Him

This catalogue proves, I think, that the faith mentioned in 2:8 and 3:12 are related to those passages concerning Jesus death (vs. 1:7, 2:13, and 2:16).  This would only make sense if we are talking of Jesus' faithfulness/obedience and that his death is ultimately viewed as an act of obedience, even if it is also viewed metaphorically as animal-like sacrifice (5:2).

Our Faith/Belief in Ephesians

It is argued when determining the meaning of "faith" in 2:8 and 3:12 that a believers faith has already been mentioned in 1:1, 13, 15, and 19.  However, in all of these cases, it is not clear that this argument has much value.  Faith in these passages do not play an instrumental role as it is claimed for 2:8 and 3:12.

• 1:1 The faith here is most likely does not have Jesus as the object but is exercised in the realm of Jesus or incorporated with Jesus.  Hence, the NRSV translates 1:1 as the "faithful in Christ Jesus",  This is especially meaningful because if Jesus was faithful then to be incorporated with Jesus is to be faithful too (see Eph. 4:20, where the Ephesians are said to have learned Christ in terms of morality).
• 1:13 Again, it doesn't appear that it is Jesus as the object of faith.  Lincoln translates this verse as follows: "you also are in him, .... In Him also, when you believed, you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit..."
• 1:15 Again, "in the Lord Jesus" need not be the object of the faith but the realm in which the faith is exercised.
• 1:19 The "ones believing" does not have any immediate instrumental role so this verse is really a moot point.
• 3:17 this later verse does seem to have instrumental import, but it pertains to the believers heart so the believers faith having instrumental powers would make sense here.  It does not however mention faith in/of Him.

More Indications of the Importance of Resurrection/Exaltation in Ephesians

Twice Ephesians calls attention to some authoritative text (Ephesians 4:8 [Ps. 68:18] and 5:14 [baptismal liturgy?]) using the phrase "therefore it says".  Both these passages refer to resurrection/exaltation.

• 4:8 "Having ascended on high he made captivity itself a captive, he gave gifts to his people". 
• 5:14 "Arise, the one sleeping, and rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."

Conclusion

The Resurrection is crucial in Ephesians.  Being raised and exalted with Jesus is the template for the Christian life.  It is how sin is defeated and how the life God intends is to be lived.