You were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient (Eph. 2:1-2).
Reflections on Ephesians 2:1-22
You were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient. All of us once lived among them in the passions of our flesh, doing the will of flesh and senses, and we were by nature children of wrath, like everyone else, but God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Chris]—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places[d] in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—not the result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we may walk in them (Eph. 2:10).
So then, remember that at one time you gentiles by birth,[e] called “the uncircumcision” by those who are called “the circumcision”—a circumcision made in the flesh by human hands— 12 remember that you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us, 15 abolishing the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, 16 and might reconcile both to God in one body[f] through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it.[g] 17 So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near, 18 for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then, you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, 20 built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone;[h] 21 in him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are built together spiritually[i] into a dwelling place for God.
The passage from Ephesians 2:1-22 is a profound reminder of the transformative power of God’s grace and the new life believers receive through Christ. It begins with a stark description of our former state, emphasizing that we were once dead in our transgressions and sins. This somber reality underscores the depth of our need for divine intervention and the boundless mercy that God extends to humanity.
From Death to Life
Ephesians 2:1-5 vividly portrays our spiritual condition before encountering the grace of God. Paul writes, “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world.” This death is not merely physical but spiritual, indicating a separation from the life and holiness that God intends for us. Yet, it is precisely in this state of hopelessness that God’s grace shines most brightly. “But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” Here, the apostle emphasizes the unearned favor bestowed upon us, highlighting the immeasurable love and mercy that catalyzes our transition from death to life.
Raised and Seated with Christ
The narrative of redemption continues in verses 6-7, where Paul describes the believer’s exaltation through Christ. “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” This imagery conveys not only the resurrection of our spirits but also our new position of authority and fellowship with Christ. Being seated in the heavenly realms signifies our intimate relationship with Jesus, sharing in His victory and glory. It is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of grace, elevating us from a state of spiritual death to one of divine companionship.
Grace Through Faith
Verses 8-10 encapsulate the essence of salvation, asserting that it is by grace through faith that we are saved, and not by works. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” This pivotal declaration refutes any notion of earning God’s favor through human effort. Instead, it emphasizes the necessity of faith, trusting wholly in the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice. Moreover, it reminds us that our salvation is a divine gift, a manifestation of God’s generous spirit rather than our own merit.
Unity and Peace in Christ
The latter part of Ephesians 2, from verses 11-22, shifts focus to the communal implications of grace. Paul addresses the division between Jews and Gentiles, asserting that Christ has abolished the barriers that once separated them. “For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.” Through His sacrificial death, Jesus has reconciled us to God and to one another, creating a new humanity marked by unity and peace. This unity is further illustrated in verse 22: “And in Him, you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit.” Paul envisions believers as a collective temple. They are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. This reflects the harmonious and inclusive nature of God’s kingdom.
Conclusion
Ephesians 2:1-22 offers a compelling narrative of transformation, grace, and unity. It calls believers to remember their former state. They are urged to celebrate the new life granted through Christ. Believers should live out the implications of this grace in communal harmony. We open our hearts to the grace of God made alive in Christ. In doing so, we start a journey of profound spiritual renewal. This journey invites us into divine fellowship. We embody His love and peace in our daily lives.
May your journey be blessed with wisdom and grace.
Blessings,
Minister A. Francine Green
All Scripture references are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE) unless otherwise noted.
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