Book 10 of 27 in the New Testament — Unity of the church.
Ephesians opens with a soaring description of God's eternal plan to unite all things in Christ and to bring Jews and Gentiles together into one new people, the church. The letter's first half is rich theology; its second half turns practical, addressing marriage, family, work, and spiritual warfare in light of that identity. Paul describes the church as Christ's body, with each believer contributing their part to a unified whole. Its vision of unity across former divisions gives it lasting relevance for any divided community.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”King James Version
Salvation is by grace through faith, not by works, so no one can boast.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”King James Version
Believers are God's handiwork, created for good works prepared in advance.
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”King James Version
Believers are urged to be kind and forgiving, just as God forgave them.
“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”King James Version
Believers are told to put on the full armor of God.
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”King James Version
The struggle is described as not against flesh and blood but spiritual forces.