13
`And you being
dead
to
trespasses
and to
sins'.
Here we have the same phrase again as that which is correctly translated in the Authorised Version of Romans
6:2,10 and 11 and 1 Peter 2:24. If such a rendering as `in sin' is impossible in Romans 6 and 1 Peter 2, why should
we foist it upon the Apostle's teaching here? Moreover, Ephesians 2:1 includes the word ontas, the present
participle `being', indicating the present state of the Ephesians. If, therefore, we were to accept the Authorised
Version rendering, we should have to conclude that the Ephesians, even though saved and members of the Body of
Christ, were still dead in sins, which is obviously impossible. What the Apostle is teaching in Ephesians 2 is that the
saved, quickened, raised and seated believer is `dead to sins' and `alive unto God'.
A.- But is not Ephesians 2:1 a proof-text for the deadness of human nature under sin?
B.- It may have been used for this purpose, but obviously we are not justified in distorting the truth of one
passage merely to support the truth of another. Our prime intention, however, is to show how useful this close
association between the doctrinal portions of the epistles can be. The church of the Ephesians, although
dispensationally new, is nevertheless built upon the foundation once and for ever laid in Romans. Those who are
addressed as being dead to trespasses and sins in Ephesians 2 find the doctrinal basis for their position in Romans
6:11 :
`Reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord'.
Another Ephesian doctrine that finds its roots in Romans is the Apostle's teaching concerning the `new man' of
Ephesians 4.
A.- Why do you say `of Ephesians 4'? The `new man' is first mentioned in Ephesians 2.
B.- In Ephesians 2:11-19 the Apostle is dealing with the constitution of the Church which is the Body of Christ,
and the fact that those who are made so `nigh' in that Church as to be the very members of Christ's Body, were once
`far off', aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise. The `new man' of
Ephesians 2:15 is made (or better `created') of `the twain'; `the both' or `the twain' of verses 14,15,16 and 18
referring to the Jew and the Gentile, who, in this newly-created `new man', lose their national distinctions and
become an entirely new company.
A.- What is the `middle wall' that is spoken of in verse 14? Does this refer to some barrier between the sinner
and the Lord?
B.- No. The Apostle is referring to a well-known part of Herod's Temple. Between the Court of the Gentiles and
the rest of the Holy Place was a wall, and at intervals, marble slabs were let into this wall, with notices inscribed to
the effect that foreigners were forbidden to pass the barrier, on pain of death. You will observe that the Apostle
stresses this aspect in Ephesians 2. He begins by showing the Gentile that he was once an `alien' and a `stranger',
and closes by saying that he is no longer a `stranger' and a `foreigner' (verse 19). He further indicates that the
change has come about by the breaking down of the exclusiveness of the early period, which made a division
between Jew and Gentile even in the Church itself.
Associated with this `new man' of Ephesians 2 is the `new man' of Ephesians 4, and it is this doctrinal and
practical aspect that finds its foundation in Romans. The dispensational aspect has changed, from the inequality of
the `olive tree' position (Romans 11) to the perfect equality of the newly-created `new man'. But the doctrinal
aspect remains the same, and is carried over from Romans, as we shall now see. As Colossians speaks of this `new
man' also, we will combine the references. Perhaps you would read the passages concerned.
A.- (Turns to Ephesians 4 and Colossians 2 and 3 and reads) :
`That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man' (Eph. 4:22-24).
`And having spoiled (put off) principalities and powers, He made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in
it' (i.e. the cross, see previous verse) (Col. 2:15).
`Seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds' (Col. 3:9).