Understanding Ephesians 2 and Malki Zedek

Sep 28, 2024

Lecture on Ephesians Chapter 2 and the Malki Zedek Priesthood

Introduction

  • The focus is on Ephesians 2, a critical chapter for understanding Paul’s theology on the restoration of Israel and the law in light of Yahshua.
  • Ephesians 2 is essential for discussions on the Malki Zedek priesthood.

Key Questions

  • Is the law done away with?
  • How does Yahshua affect the law?

Understanding the Law and Yahshua

  • Old teachings suggested the law was nailed to the cross.
  • Deeper understanding reveals connections back to Abraham and the 18th century BCE.

The Dividing Wall

  • Ephesians 2 discusses the relationship of non-Jewish believers to the commonwealth of Israel.
  • Key concept: the removal of the dividing wall by Yahshua.
  • Our task: understand what the dividing wall is and isn't based on scripture, not doctrine.

The Role of Ekklesia

  • Ekklesia or "church" traces back to Genesis 28:3.
  • Ephesians 2:1 highlights spiritual resurrection from trespasses and sins.

Life and Death

  • Disobedience led to spiritual and physical death from Adam onward.
  • Death resulted in exile and spiritual separation from Elohim.

Human Condition Without Law

  • Without law, man becomes a natural idolater.
  • Removing the law leads to idolatry and chaos within the church.

Walking in the Flesh

  • Pursuing fleshly desires leads to anger and self-loathing.
  • The Holy Spirit, Ruach HaKodesh, guides us away from this.

Grace and Mercy

  • Grace is empowerment to keep Yahweh’s commandments.
  • The church is under Yahweh’s mercy, not grace.

Raised in Heavenly Places

  • Ephesians 2:6-7 uses language linked to the Septuagint, pointing to Exodus 24:9 and the Malki Zedek priesthood.

Salvation and Works

  • Salvation is not by works but for works.
  • Believers are called to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.

Distinction Between Laws

  • Commands contained in ordinances vs. those in covenant.
  • Yahushua abolished the former, returning us to covenant promises.

Gentiles and the Covenant

  • Paul addresses division between circumcised Jews and gentile believers.
  • The dividing wall was a metaphor for barriers established by religious law.

Unity in Yahushua

  • Ephesians 2:14-16 explains reconciliation through Yahushua, breaking down the middle wall of separation.
  • Believers are united as one new man in Yahshua.

Restoration of Israel

  • Yahushua’s work returns believers to the covenant promises to Abraham.
  • This involves a shift from the book of the law to the book of the covenant.

Contrasting World Views

  • Evangelical: totality of Moses’ law done away with.
  • Christian Reformed: ceremonial vs. moral laws distinction.
  • Messianic Judaism: rabbinic oral law distinction.
  • Malki Zedek worldview: distinction between laws in covenant and ordinances.

Conclusion

  • Believers are called to embody the Malki Zedek priesthood and live a holy life.
  • The understanding of scripture requires diligent study and rejection of man-made doctrines.

This lecture emphasized the importance of returning to foundational scripture and understanding our role as believers in the Malki Zedek priesthood through Ephesians 2. Paul’s teachings on the relationship between law and Yahshua are crucial for navigating religious practices today.