Those Who Struggle
for Our Eternal Blessings

Nothing is Taken For Granted

(Ephesians 3:5-6)

Even after the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples, they did not concern about Gentiles in their hearts. However, how could we, as Gentiles, come to believe and even take it for granted that we are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ? Has this faith naturally developed over time?

1. There is Sacrifice by Someone
The concept that both Gentiles and Jews together form the body of Christ was first introduced by the Apostle Paul. He emphasized that this mystery, previously undisclosed in any other generation, was revealed to the holy apostles. In fact, Paul himself understood this mystery before any other apostles did, and the formal recognition of his Gospel took place during the first Sanhedrin held in Jerusalem.

2. There is No One to Acknowledge
In a situation where no one acknowledged that God’s mystery was revealed to him, he preached the Gospel and endured all kinds of suffering to protect it. Jews who regarded Gentiles as beasts, and even those Jews who converted to Christianity, denied him. Then, were the Gentile believers, who were the beneficiaries of the Gospel, any different? They should have been in a position to support Paul, but they, too, continuously questioned his authority and had doubts. In this challenging situation, Paul undertook the mission to ensure that the Gospel would take root all over the world.

3. Now, We are Here
We should never take the sacrifices made by a few individuals for granted. Recognizing the value of their sacrifices and expressing gratitude for them is a fundamental attitude of faith. It should not be taken for granted that we can live a faith life while being protected within the church system. We enjoy all of this because of someone else’s sacrifice. Now, let us become workers ourselves. Even if no one acknowledges it, let us lead a sacrificial life for the church. God will consider this righteousness. While our righteousness cannot be compared to the righteousness of the Lord, let us struggle to practice righteousness. Through this, God’s work upon all nations will be fulfilled.

Overseer Sung-Hyun Kim