and pledged to them in the resurrection and exaltation of Christ (i. 15-22).
The election, the call, the redemptive work, the adoption, the personal holiness, the knowledge and discernment—all find their embodiment in the Church, the body of Christ, in which the divine fulness dwells (i. 22, 23).
The scope of this plan is universal, including both Jews and Gentiles. Its operation is illustrated in the turning of the Gentiles from their sins, and in the destruction of the national and religious barriers between them and the Jews, making of the two one Church in Christ, the dwelling-place of the Spirit, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the corner-stone (ii. 1-22).
The inclusion of the Gentiles in the divine covenant is a mystery of which Paul has been made the minister. The intent of this mystery is to manifest through the Church to the heavenly powers the manifold wisdom of God (iii. 2-10).
Thus far the theme, the Church, is struck at i. 22, 23; ii. 19-22 ; iii. 10.
The prayer (iii. 14-21) includes the points already touched— the universal fatherhood of God; the sonship of Christ; the work of the Spirit in believers; the indwelling of Christ by faith ; love as the element of christian life ; knowledge of the deep things of God—and returns to the main theme, the Church.
The key-note of the practical portion of the epistle is given in ch. iv. 1: “Walk worthy of your calling.” The practical exhortations contemplate individuals in their relation to the Church. The fundamental duty is wndty through the one in- forming Spirit (iv. 3, 4). The great factors of church fellow- ship are specified: “One Lord” (Christ); one principle of “faith,” uniting to Christ ; one formal sign, “ baptism,” mark- ing admission to the body of Christ ; one universal “ Father,” ruling, pervading, and dwelling in all (iv. 5, 6).
This unity of the Church includes and is furthered by various manifestations of the Spirit in the form of different gifts; and the authority of Christ to confer and distribute these gifts is indicated by His descent to earth and Hades, and His ascent