Paul prayed for the saints in Ephesus that they might be "filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." The believers in Ephesus were saved, as we use the term, and had received God's Spirit, as we use the expression. What was Paul's prayer for them?

There are multitudes of believers today who have been saved and have received God's Spirit. Would we pray the same prayer for them that Paul prayed for the saints in Ephesus? Do we believe there is a fullness of God beyond that which we already have received?

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. (Ephesians 3:14,15—NIV)

Paul is praying for the members of the family of God, for those whom God has chosen to be members of the royal priesthood.

I do not like to overemphasize the role of foreknowledge and predestination because of the way this doctrine seems to have been abused in time past. However, if one is to accept the entire New Testament at face value he must admit that the members of the Church, of all Israel—Old Testament and New, have been called out from the world by the sovereign working of God.

There assuredly is a place for individual choice in the workings of the Kingdom of God. In fact, every aspect of salvation is an opportunity and it is up to each person to make the most of what he becomes aware of whether or not he considers himself to be a member of the elect. Granted the extremely important role of the response of the individual to God's great plan, the New Testament teaches clearly that God has selected specific people to be part of His family, and what they do with that calling will determine their experience in the day of resurrection.

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God's elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. (I Peter 1:1,2—NIV)

"Chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father." A remarkable expression, isn't it? There is enough of this sort of thing in the New Testament (as well as the Old, concerning Israel) that we cannot scripturally view the building of the Church as a sort of democratic process in which all people have the same opportunity. "You see your calling, brothers, how not many mighty are called," and so forth. Yet we understand all are invited to repent and be saved.

Salvation always is to "whoever will." Yet there is no question, at least scripturally, that when it comes to the royal priesthood, we do not choose Christ. He chooses us.

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, (Ephesians 3:16—NIV)

I think the implication here is they already have God's Spirit in their inner being. Now the prayer is that they may be strengthened with power in their inward nature by that same Spirit.

To be continued.