Page 119 - Ephesians

God doesn’t have plan A for one Christian, plan B for another
Christian, and plan C for the next. My calling is your calling, and
your calling is my calling. We have one calling as the Body of
Christ. What is that calling? Maturity. We’re all called to be like
Jesus. We’re all called to be “Measured by the stature of the
fullness of Christ”.

May I suggest in this connection that you be careful how you use
the word “calling”. Some people say that they are “called” to a
ministry. “Called”, to a pastorate, or vocation. Don’t be deceived
about that. Our “calling”, is to a Person, not to a place, and not
to a job.

Now, you might be inclined toward certain works of ministry,
because of the unique gifts God has given. In one sense, you
might say that’s a calling. But it’s really the “outworking”, “the
fruit”, of our call to Him. Many feel they have not been called, and
so feel left out, or not spiritual. Everybody is hearing God except
them. I hold in high suspicion, anybody’s calling except this one.
You are called to know Jesus. Called, to know the Lord. In
union with Him, He does the work through you. He said call no
man father, or teacher, because there is only one. In union with
Him, we lead others to union with Him. As we all abide in the
Vine, abundant fruit comes forth that glorifies God.

In this connection, let me make a comment, then state the
foundation. Glance at verses 7-12. The Spirit of God does not
aimlessly change the subject. He doesn’t jump from one thing to
another. He’s not going to get off the subject and say, “Now let
me tell you how the Old Testament saints got out of Sheol, and
ascended with Christ into Paradise. ” To lift that out of context,
and bring in that doctrine, is to violate the great intention of the
Spirit of God here.

The reason He talks about the ascension, is to turn our attention
to the Lord on the cross. That’s the consummation of His victory.
His death, His resurrection, and His ascension. Far above, every
name that’s named, and every power on the earth. That great