Made Alive in Christ
1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
What we just read:
Before salvation (v. 1-3), humanity is described as:
Spiritually dead, separated from God
Controlled by sinful desires and the devil
Living in disobedience and rebellion against God
But God, in His mercy and love, intervened (v. 4-7):
He made us alive in Christ, saving us by grace through faith
He raised us up and seated us with Christ in heaven
He showed us His kindness and riches
Now, as believers (v. 8-10):
We are saved by grace, not by our own efforts
We are created in Christ Jesus for good works
We are God's handiwork, His masterpiece
This passage highlights the transformative power of God's salvation and the new identity we have in Christ.
Questions:
What does it mean to be dead in trespasses and sins? How have you experienced spiritual death or separation from God in your life?
Reflect on the contrast between the old self and the new self in Ephesians 2. What areas of your life need transformation and renewal?
How does this passage challenge or encourage you in your spiritual journey?
Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for saving me from spiritual death and giving me new life in Christ. Help me to remember that I am saved by your grace through faith, not by my own efforts. Transform me by your power and love, and help me to live out my faith with confidence and joy. Use me for good works, and help me to be a reflection of your love and grace to those around me. Thank you for making me your handiwork, your masterpiece. I am grateful for your mercy and love.
In Jesus' name, Amen."
In Closing:
Before Christ, we were spiritually dead, trapped in sin and separated from God. But God's mercy and love intervened, and He made us alive in Christ! We're saved by grace through faith, not by our own efforts. We're God's handiwork, His masterpiece!
Let this truth transform you today. You're not defined by your past or your sins. You're a new creation in Christ, with a purpose and identity that's rooted in His love and grace. Live out your faith with confidence and joy, knowing you're a beloved child of God!
Comments