September 2, 2001

PERFECTING THE SAINTS

Ephesians 4:11-16

   The risen Lord ascended up on high, set the captives free, "and gave gifts unto men... He gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of the ministry, to the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come to the unity of the faith, and the full knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ" (Eph. 4:8-13).

  Many dwell long and hard on the Lord's earthly ministry, how He "went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil" (Acts 10:38). But few seem to know of His ministry continuing in glory to and for "the church, which is His body." Many focus on the "sign-gifts" such as tongues and healing, but these were given "not for them that believe, but for them that believe not" (1 Cor. 14:22). But here in Ephesians 4, all these gifts were given to and for "the perfecting of the saints...to the edifying of the body of Christ."

   This church is "built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ being the chief cornerstone" (2:20). That work being finished with the completion of the scriptures, these gifts have disappeared but their work remains. And the structure is spiritually built up by the ongoing ministry of the word through evangelists, pastors and teachers. They will help "perfect" or "equip" these saints for the work of the ministry which contributes to the edifying of the body of Christ. They are not the only doers of the ministry, but equip all the saints to participate in that ministry! This is true since "to every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ." We are all equipped to participate effectively in the work of the ministry and enabled to do our part in edifying the body.

   The benefit of these gifts will remain "until we all come to the unity of the faith, even the full knowledge of the Son of God, unto the perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." Let us not be distracted by the confusion and disunity all around us. May we know the Son of God revealed in Paul and his letters, and live by the faith of the Son of God Who loved us and gave Himself for us.

Ivan L. Burgener