The Ephesian Letter
Overview
In this careful consideration of one of the best loved books of the New Testament, Chafer presents neither a commentary nor an exegesis of the book of Ephesians, but a doctrinal examination. Breaking up the book into sections, he addresses key themes and teachings in this book. Chafer provides historical and theological context as well, giving a holistic view of Ephesians. Presenting solid theology for the general reader as well as for scholars, this volume is essential for study of the book of Ephesians.
- Careful examination of doctrine by one of the most influential twentieth-century theologians
- Includes detailed table of contents
- Written by one of the key founders of modern dispensationalism
Top Highlights
“Election and predestination do not indicate the same thing. Election is God’s selection of individuals, while predestination is His plan and purpose for those whom He selects. It is also to be observed that He predestinates nothing for those whom He does not elect for His eternal glory; but He does predestinate the destiny of those whom He chooses.” (Pages 37–38)
“The Ephesian letter is a revelation of God’s plan in and for the Church and is thus a development of the second revelation given to the Apostle Paul.” (Page 14)
“As has been stated, the saved one is chosen in sovereign grace, predestinated in love, adopted into heaven-high privilege, redeemed, illuminated, made a partaker of Christ’s inheritance, and, finally, sealed with that Holy Spirit of Promise.” (Page 51)
“but until there were fallen beings, no manifestation of the compassion of God was possible” (Page 45)
“Though now but an insignificant village, in Paul’s day Ephesus was the capital of Proconsular Asia, located on the Sacred Port and the river Cayster, and noted for its theater and its temple—the temple of Artemis (Diana)—both of which are mentioned in the Scriptures (Acts 19:27–29).” (Pages 14–15)
No subject was more dear to the heart of Dr. Lewis Sperry Chafer than the teaching of the Scriptures on the spiritual life.
—John F. Walvoord, president of Dallas Theological Seminary
I welcome therefore this present book on these fundamental truths. Having had the privilege of seeing it in manuscript, I bespeak for it the candid attention of all who are concerned for the truth of God.
—C.I. Scofield, in the preface to the 1936 edition of The Kingdom in History and Prophecy
I am glad of the privilege of calling attention to a presentation of the way of salvation which is certain to lead all who read it earnestly to a living faith in Christ, and then to a constant joy because of the abundant and assured provision of God for the Christian life.
—W. H. Griffith Thomas, in the preface to the 1917 edition of Salvation
- Title: The Ephesian Letter
- Author: Lewis Sperry Chafer
- Publisher: Loizeaux Brothers
- Publication Date: 1935
- Pages: 176
Lewis Sperry Chafer (1871–1952) was a Presbyterian clergyman, an educator, and the founder of Dallas Theological Seminary (originally Evangelical Theological College) in 1924, where he served as president and professor of theology until his death in 1952. Chafer was ordained in 1900 and traveled as an evangelist for 14 years before becoming a Bible lecturer from 1914–1924. Some of his most notable students include C. C. Ryrie, J. Vernon McGee, John Walvoord, and many others.
Chafer authored the eight-volume Systematic Theology, which was the first dispensational, premillennial systematic theology ever published. Several of Chafer’s other writings, such as Dispensationalism, Satan, and The Kingdom in History and Prophecy, can be found in the Lewis Sperry Chafer Collection (9 vols.). He also served as the editor of Bibliotheca Sacra, which was acquired by Dallas Theological Seminary in 1933.