Ephesians 1:15-23
In his prayer addressed to "the God of our Lord Jesus Christ" (v. 17) the apostle asks for the saints that first they may know what their position is (v.18), and then what is the power that brings them there (vv. 19-20). "The fulness of our blessing derives from the fact that we are blessed with Christ. We were once associated with the first Adam in the fall, but are now associated in glory with the second Man. He possesses nothing which He does not bring us into. This is the mark of perfect love: glory (John 17:22), joy (John 15:11), peace (John 14:27), love of the Father (John 17:26). He will not take up the inheritance without the coheirs. . . Paul does not ask that the saints may have part in these things – they belong to them already – but that they may rejoice in them" (J.N.D.). And let us notice it is the eyes of our heart which have to be opened to these glorious realities. Love is the true key of our understanding (Luke 24:31). By stirring up our affections, the Spirit leads us to contemplate Christ, the risen Man clothed with power and majesty in accordance with Psalms 8:1-9. His body, the Assembly, completes Him as Man. He is the "Head", glorified in heaven; His body is the fulness of Him that filleth all in all.