Faithfulness in Christ
Eph. 1:1-2; 5/10/2026; Sister Xiang
Introduction
When we read Scripture, this simple passage is often treated as an ordinary greeting and easily overlooked. But if we study it carefully, we discover that, compared with most of Paul’s letters, this greeting is different: it describes the saints as those who are faithful. This raises several important questions for us: Why is faithfulness mentioned in this letter? What does it truly mean to be faithful? What significance does it have for God’s children? And how can we live it out in our daily lives?
Reflecting on these questions can bring profound transformation to our lives.
The Source of Faithfulness
In China, there has long been reflection on the idea of faithfulness. In The Analects, faithfulness is described as consistency, wholehearted devotion, and the pursuit of one’s inner conscience and heavenly principle. Yet human knowledge alone cannot fully answer the question of where faithfulness comes from.
- God’s Will
The first phrase of this passage is “by the will of God.” Paul the Apostle, moved by the Holy Spirit, wrote God’s affirmation of the saints in Ephesus. The Spirit chose the word “faithful.” This is a spiritual quality that God desires, delights in, and encourages.
Moreover, human beings are capable of faithfulness because they are created in God’s image. God is faithful—He is the One who was, who is, and who is to come, unchanging and steadfast, and His love for us is immeasurable in breadth, length, height, and depth. When we discover the source of faithfulness, we develop a longing to trace it back to its origin and to look up to Him.
- Christ’s Commission
The second phrase of the passage, following “by the will of God,” is “an apostle of Christ Jesus.” Paul was personally called and sent by Christ. Jesus Christ not only worked in unity with God but also lived out perfect faithfulness, fulfilling God’s will in Himself. In the same way, He sent out His apostles to live out this same faithfulness. - The Mission of the Apostles
The mission of the apostles was to make all people disciples of Christ. They themselves were to become faithful vessels and to lead many others to become the same, passing this on from generation to generation.
At this point, we can see a complete chain concerning faithfulness. God reveals to us that faithfulness comes from Him and is a noble spiritual quality that He values. Although Confucius pursued devotion to heavenly principle and steadfastness, he did not recognize that truth is found in the Lord Jehovah. Missing the Lord of life in this way is indeed a great loss.
The Faithfulness of the Saints
Since faithfulness is so precious, we now ask: what does the faithfulness of the saints look like?
- Faithfulness as the Identity of the Saints
In verse 1, Paul the Apostle writes: “To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus.” Here, he explains the saints as those who are faithful. The two appear almost interchangeable—faithfulness becomes the identity marker of the saints.
Our identity is that we are chosen by God, people who have eternal life, set apart from the world. When we remain watchful about our identity, faithfulness becomes a clear measure. It helps us turn back when we should turn back and repent when we should repent, rather than becoming like Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Christ for thirty pieces of silver.
- Faithfulness Must Be in Christ
If faithfulness is our identity, then where is this “identity” kept? Is it like people in the world who carry their ID in a wallet or phone case?
Faithfulness can only be found in Christ. Because He is God, He is the heavenly source of faithfulness. Because He died for our sins, He is the faithful mediator between God and humanity. Because He is the Word made flesh, He shows us how to live out faithfulness.
When praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus Christ said, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39). Through His life, He showed us what faithfulness is: faithfulness is submitting to God’s sovereignty. Our faithfulness is found in Christ.
He accomplished the redemption that sinners could not achieve, making them new creations, so that they may live for Him in faithfulness.
- Paul’s Testimony
From the great light when he was called on the road to Damascus to his imprisonment when writing Ephesians, Paul’s faithfulness endured to the very end of his life. It was a life in which he decreased so that Christ might be magnified. At the end of his life, there was no confusion, bitterness, or complaint—only peace and satisfaction after giving his all, ready to return to his heavenly home.
This stands in contrast to Judas, who, after betrayal, did not truly repent and ended his life in disgrace.
In Chinese history, when speaking of loyalty, a series of well-known names often appears: Qu Yuan, Yue Fei, Wen Tianxiang. Qu Yuan drowned himself in a river; Yue Fei was falsely accused and executed; Wen Tianxiang died heroically for his country. When loyalty is not aligned with truth, it can become misguided loyalty—turning into tragedy and ultimately vanity.
Only faithfulness in Christ brings peace and grace, guiding us toward eternal life.
Living Out Faithfulness
Finally, how do we live out faithfulness?
- “Do You Love Me?”
Some may say: I will start reading the Bible devotionally, listening to Sunday sermons, attending prayer meetings, or sharing the gospel. These are all good and right. Yet in the long run, what matters most is our relationship with the Lord—a personal, intimate relationship between Him and us. Others can hardly judge our motives, and one day we ourselves will give an account.
We remember how, by the Sea of Tiberias, Jesus Christ called Simon Peter by name three times—“Simon, son of John”—and asked him, “Do you love me more than these? Do you love me?”
Our love is a response to the love the Lord has already shown us. So we should ask ourselves: Do we love the Lord more than our children, our money, and our status?
- Watchfulness in the Church
Living out faithfulness should take place within the church, because the church is the body of Christ. It involves commitment in tithing, participation in evangelism and missions, and even the refining process of serving alongside brothers and sisters. It includes remaining silent when wronged, as well as receiving the shepherding, intercession, and watchful care of pastors.
Just as Paul the Apostle, while in prison, prayed and kept watch over the believers in Ephesus—teaching them the truth about the church, helping them remain united, resist false teachings, and hold fast to faithfulness.
- Grace and Peace
For God’s children, when we live out faithfulness, heavenly grace and peace will naturally follow. This is God’s promise and His reward for faithfulness. It also encourages us to continue being faithful, forming a cycle of grace.
In an age driven by material desires, faithfulness has become a scarce resource—sometimes even seen as a costly burden people are unwilling to bear.
Christians, too, may struggle. I have experienced unfaithfulness and inner conflict in tithing; times when, in serving, I sought the praise of others; and moments when sharing the gospel or engaging in missions was driven by fear of disappointing a pastor rather than love for Christ.
At times, brothers and sisters may face even greater challenges—we may all find ourselves like Peter. Yet the Lord calls us by name and asks, “Do you love me more than these?” And He grants us the faith and strength to live faithfully.
Conclusion
In the eyes of the world, Confucius is honored as a sage—almost an unsurpassable peak. Yet a mountain is still a mountain; it remains on the earth. Throughout history, there have been tragic examples of misguided loyalty that leave people with deep regret. And today, faithfulness itself seems to have become something unfamiliar, bringing anxiety and restlessness to countless lives.
In Christ, however, faithfulness becomes an identity given to God’s children after receiving new life. It is preserved by God and leads us into grace and peace in His presence after salvation. Let us remain watchful and never lose this identity.
Dear friends who are seeking the gospel: will you continue in anxiety and despair, or will you receive this identity that brings true peace?
