Visual Theology – Ephesians ?

This chart shows the structure. What follows explains each part.

Ephesians 3:8-12
Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

The Ground of Our Access

Access to God is a universal longing, but Paul reveals that the means is not human effort, religious striving, or mystical quests, but the imputed righteousness of Christ. This distinction is crucial, as the way we approach God determines whether we experience boldness and rest, or uncertainty and distance.

Paul’s ministry departs completely from the futile Gentile perspective apart from God (Ephesians 4:17). Instead of being circumscribed by self—striving to improve or earn blessing—his prayers and teaching are rooted in the finished work of Christ and God’s purpose. He focuses not on what we can do for God, but on what God has accomplished in Christ and is doing to bring all things under Christ’s headship (Ephesians 1:10, 22-23).

The Contrast of Two Approaches

Ministry focused on human performance leads to striving, insecurity, and religious exhaustion. Approaching God on the ground of our own righteousness leaves only uncertainty and distance, with no assurance, for the law always demands more. This is the path of the flesh and the old creation, alienated from God’s life.

But Paul reveals a different way—imputed righteousness. In Ephesians 3:12, he declares: "In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him." Our access is based not on our works, but on Christ’s finished work. We are accepted in the beloved (Ephesians 1:6), and our inheritance as co-heirs is immediate and secure. Our confidence rests in the righteousness freely given to us in Christ—the very ground on which we stand before God.

The Nature of True Boldness

This access is boldness—a confident drawing near, knowing Christ Himself is our qualification. Paul prays we would be strengthened by the Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in our hearts by faith (Ephesians 3:16-17). This is not produced by our effort, but wrought in us by God’s power. The Spirit strengthens us to apprehend the unsearchable riches of Christ and be filled with God’s fullness (Ephesians 3:19).

The Ministry That Produces Rest

Ministry grounded in the finished work of Christ produces rest. It equips the saints not by placing them under law, but by bringing them into the fellowship of the mystery—Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). Here, the riches of Christ circulate in God’s household, and believers are built up as members of His body by receiving and sharing Christ as their portion. This is the economy of God, where Christ is the reference for everything, and our relationship to God is established on His righteousness.

The Only True Confidence

Therefore, true confidence before God comes only from standing on the ground of imputed righteousness. Any other approach—law, mystical experience, or religious performance—leads to striving and uncertainty. But those who rest in the finished work of Christ enjoy immediate access to the Father, boldness in His presence, and participation as vital members of His household. This is the vision of Paul’s ministry and the ground of God’s economy.