The Cube and the Dimensions of Relationship in Ephesians 4:13

Abstract

This academic article aims to demonstrate the dimensions of “relationship” from the teachings regarding growth into the fullness of Christ, to foster an understanding of “relationship” that can lead to the fullness of Christ, and to promote awareness and practical application according to biblical teachings, Ephesians 4:13, states, “Until we all reach the unity of faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” This verse read in isolation, however, fails to clearly relay the meaning of reaching the fullness of Christ. It results in a picture of Christian’ lives focusing mainly on the relationship between themselves and God, or solely on the relationship between themselves and fellow humans and the natural world created by God, but only in one dimension. Such an understanding or image is just the beginning of understanding relationships, because if Christians are to attain spiritual maturity or reach the fullness of Christ, they must achieve a balance in those relationships and return to a single point - that is, unity with God.

In this article, the author conducts an interpretive analysis using theological principles, a method widely accepted by biblical scholars to grasp the true meaning intended by biblical writers for their original readers. Therefore, the theological criteria used in this study includes biblical interpretation theories, which examine the historical background concerning the social circumstances of the original writers and readers (first- century Christians in Ephesus and vicinity), and also considers the text within its context and analyzes meanings of the words in the original language. In synthesizing the meaning of the phrase “attain to maturity,” the author also presents a concept involving a straight line on a “cube” (a three-dimensional square), linking ideas from mathematical sciences to clarify theological understanding of relationships in human life. This analysis includes: (1) extending the understanding of the phrase “reach unity” as stemming from diverse relationship dimensions, similar to the components of a straight line on a cube. (2) visualizing methods to balance various relationships that Christians need to practice comprehensively in all aspects. (3) creating awareness among Christians that the relationships they hold require continuous development; that is, reducing the distance between two parties by increasing closeness in each relationship, aiming to restore unity among God, humans, and all creation; and (4), providing an accurate and clear comprehension of Ephesians 4:13, particularly in explaining what it signifies for Christians to achieve maturity or the fullness of Christ in their lives.