New Jerusalem Seen in Ephesians, 18
Ephesians 5:18 presents a contrast: “do not be drunk with wine,…but be filled in spirit.” This is our human spirit (the divine Spirit is constantly full), regenerated by the divine Spirit (John 3:6). We need to exercise spiritually to be filled now and we will certainly be full in New Jerusalem.
Verse 19 shows one way for this filling, “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and psalming with your heart to the Lord.” We can use hymns and songs not only for singing together but also for speaking to one another. Furthermore we can sing inwardly “to the Lord.” This singing will continue in New Jerusalem.
Verse 20 continues with another key to being filled in spirit: “giving thanks at all times for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to our God and Father.” This is the same as 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “in everything give thanks.” Thanksgiving is “at all times” and “for all things” not merely when we have a good situation or receive something positive outwardly.
This thanksgiving practice is also a characteristic of New Jerusalem.
Bible verses quoted in these posts are from The Holy Bible, Recovery Version, published and © by Living Stream Ministry, Anaheim CA, 2003. The text of this Bible is at text.recoveryversion.bible; this too is © by LSM. A New Testament of this Bible, with outlines for each book, 9000 footnotes, and 13,000 cross references, is available in multiple languages for free from Bibles for America, Bibles for Canada, Bibles for Europe, Bibles for Australia, Bibles for New Zealand.
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Posted by Don on December 1, 2025
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