This blog practices Biblical Theology, reflecting the themes of scripture and defining phrases within their original contexts. Both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament are authoritative, guiding us into a faith-life as a corporate image of Christ's body. This journey begins in the present and continues through death into eternity with our Lord Christ Jesus.
This anonymous blogger** has spent the past 48 years immersed in reading scriptures, journaling, and navigating the journey of faith with God. Throughout this time, I have experienced both vocational and lay ministry, but usually re-producing what I had always experienced in churches that I'd grown up in. But things changed for me through the scriptures and the faithful patience of God. (** see "Contact Us".)
In early 2004, while reading Ephesians, I realized that Paul was emphasizing a corporate identity for the People of God, forwarding and expanding it inclusively into the New Testament era. This insight led me to understand a new paradigm for corporate faith, one that included me personally.
One clue was Paul's consistent use of "y'all" where the English translation displays "you," indicating a collective rather than individual address. The real revelation, however, came from the opening "blessing" in verse 3, which sets the stage for understanding the purpose of the Old Testament People of God and its relevance for the New Testament era. The pivotal moment occurred in verse 13, where Paul transitions from "us" and "we" who were first to believe, to "you also, when you believed." This shift demonstrates that the chosen, elect, predestined People of God now include those who have joined their faith journey through Christ’s accomplishment, thereby expanding the community beyond its original boundaries.
This understanding underscores the inclusive nature of God's plan and highlights the continuity between the Old and New Testament people of God. Additionally, the purpose of having a People of God is advanced into this era, with a complete renovation through the removal of insurmountable hurdles, making the divine community accessible to who believe.