A Purpose Set Forth in Christ

God’s Mission of Reconciliation in Ephesians 1–2

Abstract

God’s mission of reconciliation is a theme spanning the biblical narrative. While many passages throughout Scripture display God’s reconciling work, the breadth and depth in which Paul explores reconciliation in Ephesians 1–2 sets it apart. This article argues that Ephesians 1–2 contains Paul’s most expansive thoughts on God’s mission of reconciliation in Christ as he explains and celebrates 1) blessing and God’s mission of reconciliation, 2) the trinitarian nature of reconciliation, and 3) reconciliation between peoples. Drawing from the Old Testament while looking forward to the culmination of God’s reconciling work in the new heavens and new earth, Paul provides readers with an extensive theology of God’s mission of reconciliation in the opening chapters of Ephesians.