That Christ may dwell in your heart #789

that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love (Ephesians 3:17, NKJV)

As Paul prays for the saints in Ephesus, his petition turns to their fellowship with Christ. One of the great blessings we have in Christ is His unfailing promise to be with us. The gospel has called us “into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Cor. 1:9). Our relationship with Christ occurred “through faith.” Faith comes by hearing the word of God (Rom. 10:17). Therefore, we conclude that without the word of Christ in our hearts He will not dwell there. Is not this why Paul told the Colossians to “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Col. 3:16)? Christ will not dwell where His word is not loved and obeyed (see Jno. 14:23). Paul’s prayer, then, is that the Ephesians will have such faith that they will love Christ and keep His word. Through such faith, Christ would dwell in their hearts – and with such faith He will dwell in your heart, too.