Visual Theology – Ephesians ?

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

Ephesians 1:3-14
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace, wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: that in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: that we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

The Menu of Christ’s Finished Work

Ephesians reveals a feast prepared by God for His children. In Ephesians 1:3-14, we are shown the menu of Christ’s finished work—the spiritual blessings that are our inheritance by birthright. Paul declares, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). These are the living riches of Christ, meant to be enjoyed and shared.

The Appetizer: Adoption as Sons

The first blessing is our adoption as sons. Before creation, the Trinity purposed to bring many sons into glory. “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will” (Ephesians 1:5). Adoption is the Father’s embrace, making us beloved and accepted members of His household—a gift to be received as the appetizer of our Christian life.

The Main Course: Seated with Christ

The main course is our seated position with Christ in the heavenlies. Through the cross, Christ has reconciled us to God and “raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6). This is a present reality, not a future hope. We rest in His finished work, joined to Christ’s victory and authority. To “eat” of this is to draw nourishment from the truth that we are already enthroned with Him.

The Dessert: Sealed with the Spirit

For dessert, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, the guarantee of our inheritance. “In whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance” (Ephesians 1:13-14). The Spirit is our assurance and a living foretaste of what is to come, bringing the sweetness of Christ’s life into our experience.

Ministry as Tasting and Sharing

New Testament ministry is about partaking of Christ’s unsearchable riches and circulating them within His body. Ministry is eating Christ—assimilating His redemption, forgiveness, and life—and then describing the “taste” to others. A steward is not a producer, but a waiter who has tasted the menu and invites others to the feast, making the riches of Christ attractive.

To eat Christ is to come to Him in faith: “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger” (John 6:35). We are nourished by feeding on His finished work. As we enjoy these blessings, we become channels of supply, ensuring every member is nourished and furnished.

The riches of Christ are inexhaustible. Our value is measured by the life we have received and share. The church is built up, not by human striving, but by the circulation of Christ’s life among His members. As we eat and share the menu of His finished work, the body grows and God’s masterpiece is revealed.