Ephesians 2:4-9 – “But God, being rich in mercy, because of his great love with which he loved us, ⁵ even though we were dead in offenses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you are saved!— ⁶ and he raised us up together with him and seated us together with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, ⁷ to demonstrate in the coming ages the surpassing wealth of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. ⁸ For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; ⁹ it is not from works, so that no one can boast. ¹⁰ For we are his creative work, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we can do them.”

As I read, prayed, and contemplated the Word of God, the Power of Covenant and the Strength of Unity were impressed upon me.   God’s covenant is not remotely similar to man’s contract.   Covenant is a blood bond that is only breakable in death.   Contracts are negotiated and often broken without severe consequences. Unity provides strength, enabling those unified to enjoy strong defense and have a measure of rest, knowing each has the other’s back.

In Ephesians 2, Paul draws attention to our former life before we came to know Christ.   He reminds us that those outside Christ are still motivated by the dark forces in this world.   Those cravings in them energize and embolden them.   If that were all we saw, depression would be the normal and expected condition.

In verse 4, he says, “But God…”   God’s response is Grace and Mercy.   In His unfathomable love, He saves, transforms, and elevates us to a position in Christ that exercises authority over the darkness.   Yet, many live subservient to the lies of the darkness rather than as Victors in Christ.

He urges us to remember where we were and where we are now. In verse 13, he says, “But now…”   Now, in Christ, we are no longer alienated from God. We are no longer subservient to the darkness but are one with Jesus.

If we are to impact this world as God desires, we must embrace God’s Covenant and have Unity in the Body of Christ.   In Ephesians 4, Paul reveals God’s method and plan to produce that condition, understanding, and ability.

The five-fold ministry is not a hierarchy, but rather a group of professors in God’s university.   They are Gifts given to us for a specific purpose: to equip, develop, educate, and train believers for ministry, service, and grace growth, and to have a spiritual foundation that enables the believer to stand and serve.

This is to be UNTIL- until the church is unified in the faith.   Until the church develops a functional and transformational knowledge of Jesus, His work, and purpose.   Until the church matures and grows into the measure of Christ’s full stature.

Jesus said that we would do the works He did unless we are developed into the measure of Christ’s full stature, which is not only unlikely but virtually impossible.   Christ in us is our hope and provides the ability to pull down strongholds.

We have a commission and a mission. But to fulfill our purpose on this Earth, we must know and embrace God’s Covenant and become one in Christ as a Body (His Body).

God says we are more than conquerors, but becoming that in practical reality requires development, commitment, and action. We grow in grace and need the equipping (training), which includes information and application. Church is not a place; it is a people. Gatherings are not for entertainment, but rather for information that carries with it the opportunity for application.   God has done His part, and now we must do ours. We set aside the old (sin and flesh) and embrace the new (grace and life).

I hear in my heart the word“Choices.”   I hear, “What is your choice?”   I hear, “What God has given us, we are accountable for the stewardship of.”   We are being fitly framed together!  God’s covenant provisions are only manifested in unity.   We have the provision to fulfill the vision.   I hear the Spirit of God asking, “Why not Now?”   Victory is ours!  Victory is not a gift but a developed condition. Press in! It’s yours.

I pray that the Lord will help each of us embrace the Promise of the Spirit and the Promised Spirit.