Adapted from Pastor Jim’s Sermon
Four-Minute Read
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesian 2:1-10 (ESV)
In the heart of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians lies a story of transformation, a journey from the shadow of death into the resplendent light of life with Christ. Ephesians 2:1-10 doesn’t just recount a change of status; it unveils the essence of spiritual rebirth, inviting us to ponder deeply on our former condition of sin and estrangement from God. This passage paints a vivid contrast between our past bondage and our current freedom in Christ, helping us to grasp the fullness of God’s redemptive work.
The Human Condition and Divine Intervention
Our story begins in a place of desolation and sins. Here, Paul holds nothing back in describing the gravity of our former state—dead in our wrongdoings, ensnared by the temptations of this world, and under the sway of malevolent forces. This grim reality emphasizes our personal failings, collective alienation from God, and the influence of a world in rebellion against its creator.
Yet, into this narrative of despair, the phrase “But God” emerges as a glimpse of hope. These words symbolize a divine intervention, where God, motivated by nothing other than His own mercy and great love, initiates our rescue. By grace, we are saved, lifted from the depths of our transgressions, and brought into the splendor of new life with Christ. This salvation is unmerited, a gift that shows the vastness of God’s grace and the depth of His love for us.
The New Creation
The theme of our creation is present through this passage, reminding us that we are God’s workmanship, recreated in Christ Jesus for a life of good works. These works, which God prepared in advance for us, are not the basis of our salvation but the evidence of it—a response to the grace we have freely received. This new identity calls us to live out the purpose we were created for and embody the values of the Kingdom of God in our daily lives.
Paul’s emphasis on our new life in Christ challenges us to view ourselves and others through the lens of grace. As individuals and communities transformed by the gospel, we are to walk in the good works prepared for us, showcasing the transformative power of God’s love and grace in every aspect of our existence.
Living as Exhibits of Mercy
The journey from death to life is both a personal awakening and a communal calling. As those who have experienced the profound depths of God’s mercy, we are now representatives of that same grace. Our lives should exhibit God’s kindness and act as channels through which His mercy flows to others. In our interactions, decisions, and even our struggles, the grace that saved us should shine forth, drawing others to the source of our hope and life.
Ephesians 2:1-10 calls us not just to celebrate our new life but to live it out in a way that reflects God’s transformative work within us. It’s a call to remember our past with humility, embrace our present with gratitude, and approach our future with a sense of divine purpose. By living as embodiments of God’s grace, we participate in His ongoing work of renewal, bringing the light of Christ into the dark corners of our world.
All are welcome to learn more about living with purpose by visiting The Fount’s weekly meeting on Sunday, 10 am, at the Kansas City Club.
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