Ephesians 4:7-10

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO COMPLAIN!!!

  So, now let us look at Ephesians 4 starting today with verse 7:  7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.

   Different Bibles have different script, however, the main theme that runs here is Christ has given us all a gift.  Gift is often referred to as grace.  So we have a gift from Jesus Christ.  Now verse 8: This is why it says:

 8    “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.”

   Paul is trying to depict here that when Christ was crucified and resurrected he was victorious over Satan.  When Christ ascended into heaven he gave gifts to the church (to us).

  9 (Now the saying, “He ascended” — what does it mean but that He also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same who also ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fill all things.)   Now, these verses  create conversations between the experts.  By saying he "ascended" and "descended" some say the lower or lowly parts of the earth was earth itself, some the grave, and some Hades.

  Since Christ is LORD of the whole universe, past, present, and future.  Nothing or no one is hidden from him.  The LORD of all came to earth and faced death to rescue all people.  No one is beyond his reach.

  Some of this is referenced back to Psalm 68: 18 

When you ascended on high,
    you took many captives;
    you received gifts from people,
even from the rebellious—
    that you,  Lord God, might dwell there.

  This verse celebrates Christ's victory over evil.  It assures all of us who believe in Christ that by trusting him, we can overcome evil.  Let me have some of your feedback on these scriptures.  Very heavy for me, but very invigorating as well.  Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny