Ephesians 2:1-6
1As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2in 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. 3All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,
All of us at one time were the walking dead; we were controlled by the flesh, being used by Satan. Until we accepted Jesus in our lives, we were the devil’s tools on earth. In Ephesians 2:1-3, Paul reminds the Ephesians that they were followers of Lucifer doing his bidding on earth.
Believers today forget that they were once under enemy control; that as sinners we were doomed, separated from God. “Gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts” (verse 3). We must realize that as saints we have a new life we are born again; set apart for God’s use.
So many of us feel that because we attend church it is a reason to be treated special. We have the impression that God should be excited that we choose his side; with all of our old baggage; all of our worldly expertise. It is so amazing that He chose us when we were unlikable. While we were yet sinners, Jesus left glory, came to this earth, He became flesh and dwelled among. He who was sinless became sin so that we might live. Christ did what no man would do He willingly went to Calvary for us.
Paul tells the church of the wonderful blessing of God love bestowed upon us through Jesus Christ. By grace we were raised up and seated in heavenly places with Him. This stresses the divinely formed unity shared between Christ and Christians. What was accomplished in the past is still a reality today and forever.
As believers we should rejoice in the knowledge of Gods divine grace, and understand His immeasurable love for us. God’s love pursues us, makes a way for us, keeps us alive and does not give up on us until we finally accepts all that He wants to give us.
by: Barbara Stevenson
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