Read Ephesians 2.
After presenting a strong doctrinal case for what believers have in Christ, the
letter now turns to recalling how and why this happened.
1. Where were we? (vv.1-3)
-Dead. Before a person puts their personal faith in Jesus they are
without true spiritual life.
-Disobedient. Human life on its own cannot please God. Before
receiving Jesus one can only follow their sinful, natural desires which are
energized by the devil himself.
-Doomed. Without Jesus, "all" (v.3) people are destined to
experience the consequences of their sin: God's eternal wrath. (John
3:36)
2. What happened? (vv.4-7)
"But God." When the God of heaven steps in, He changes
everything. It was impossible for us to be good enough to escape eternal
judgment. Note the Biblical statements describing the character of God.
-rich in mercy
-great in love
-immeasurable in kindness
"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ
died for us." (Romans 5:8)
3. How did this change take place? (vv.8-10)
Our only hope of rescue was by the gracious intervention of God. No one
can earn their way to being saved from eternal torment. No one can do
anything to pay for a single sin. The offer of Christ's full and final
payment for the sin of the world comes only from the grace of God. It
becomes effective for each individual when they believe God's offer through
faith alone. Not only does one's personal destiny change but for the
first time they can begin to understand their purpose in life. It is not
about our works, but God's workmanship; how and why He has created us.
(John 1:12)
4. Where are we now? (vv.11-22)
The Apostle Paul addressed one our biggest problems. We humans are
forgetful. Twice, he stated "remember." First, remember
what life was like before faith in Jesus. "But now in Christ"
look what we have and what God is doing in and through us.
-we have been brought near to God by the blood of Christ
-we have peace with God because of Christ
-we have direct access to God because of Christ
-we are fellow citizens with all other believers, members of the household of
God, working with Christ and each other in fulfilling His plans.
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