What is the significance of God telling us to “wake up, sleeper” (Ephesians 5:14)?

Answer

Ephesians 5:14 declares, “This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’” The expression “wake up, sleeper” is thought to originate from an ancient hymn or poem that would have been well-known to Paul’s audience at that time.

The entire passage in Ephesians 5 addresses the subject of Christian living, and the phrase “wake up, sleeper” is employed in this context. Paul encourages his audience to mimic Christ, which entails leading a righteous life and abstaining from sinful actions. Through the analogy of light and darkness, Paul juxtaposes the former life with the new life in Christ. Light symbolizes the truth of Christ and His gospel. This light reveals the wicked deeds of individuals, exposing their true essence. The light of Christ’s truth and righteousness illuminates everything, distinguishing between good and evil. Hence, the directive to “wake up, sleeper” is issued.

In essence, Ephesians 5:14 issues a general appeal to all individuals to turn away from sin towards Christ. The figurative language utilized here signifies a condition of spiritual estrangement from God, where one dwells in darkness and fails to grasp God’s truth. However, when individuals “rise from the dead” through repentance and faith in Christ, His light shines upon them, providing clarity. They become capable of understanding God’s truth and adhering to His principles.

In the context of Christian living, God’s call to “wake up, sleeper” serves as a reminder to stay mindful of His truth. As believers, we already possess the illuminating light that facilitates clarity and transformation, so we should live in accordance with it. Instead of partaking in the dark deeds we once practiced, we should expose them. This call also functions as a warning, urging us to be vigilant. While the “sleeper” denotes someone who has not yet been illuminated by Christ’s light, a Christian can also be deemed “asleep” if lacking vigilance. Therefore, Paul advises his audience to be “very careful, then, how yYou live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16).

As Christians, we are called “children of light” in various parts of Scripture (Matthew 5:14;1 Thessalonians 5:5;Philippians 2:15). We should avoid living like those who do not know God and His ways. In a world where evil is disguised as virtue, abortion is a right, and immorality reigns, vigilance is more crucial than ever.

In his letter to the Romans, Paul gives a similar exhortation to the “sleeping” Christians: “And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:11-12).

In conclusion, the significance of God’s call to “wake up, sleeper” can be understood in two ways. First, it serves as a call for unbelievers to awaken to God’s truth through the power of the gospel. Second, it emphasizes the importance for believers to live sober, vigilant, godly lives.