The conclusion of Ephesians 1 reveals that the ascended Lord rules over all things for the benefit of His body, the church. There is an allusion to Psalm 8:4-6 which is about the first Adam being put over the sub-human creation. Adam fell and put the whole earth into a fallen state of disorder. Christ as the last Adam rules over all things including the spiritual powers in the high heavens. We cite scriptures from the Old and New Testaments which explain and apply Psalm 8 in its relationship to Christ and the church. Only those who are converted are part of the church as defined in Ephesians. The term “church” is often misused and has become confusing to many people because it is not defined biblically. This section of Ephesians speaks of both headship and fullness, two key theological terms. We explore their usage here and see how Paul speaks of both as applying to the church and for the benefit of the church. As God filled the tabernacle and temple in the Old Testament with fullness and glory, He fills the church since during the present age. This does not imply that we are a “mystical Christ.” Any version of panentheism or pantheism is false and should be rejected. We discuss communicable attributes of God as well as the uniqueness of non-communicable attributes. Chapter 1 of Ephesians can be summarized by the truth that we are safe because of God’s sovereign work for our benefit and the praise of His glory.  

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