In chapter 1 Paul prayed that believers would know the greatness of God’s power. Now he shows that power at work in the most hopeless case of all: people who were spiritually dead. This passage is one of the clearest statements of the gospel in the whole Bible. It tells us where we were without Christ, what God did for us, and what He saved us for. Whether you came to faith as a child or as an adult, this is your story too, and it never grows old.
Dead in Sins
Paul does not soften the truth. You were dead in trespasses and sins, he says, walking according to the course of this world and the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:1-3). We followed the desires of the flesh and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just like everyone else. Dead people cannot help themselves. They need life from outside. Paul told the Colossians the same thing: you were dead in your sins, but God has made you alive together with Christ, having forgiven all your trespasses (Colossians 2:13). Isaiah said even our righteous acts are like filthy rags before a holy God (Isaiah 64:6). This is why moral effort alone cannot save anyone. We need a miracle, and God provides one.
How does seeing yourself as once spiritually dead change the way you pray for a friend or relative who does not yet know Christ?
But God
Two words change everything: "But God, who is rich in mercy" (Ephesians 2:4). Because of His great love, even when we were dead in sins, God made us alive together with Christ and raised us up to sit together in heavenly places in Him (Ephesians 2:5-7). Paul adds in the middle, by grace you are saved, as if he cannot wait to say it. Mercy means God does not give us the punishment we deserve. Grace means He gives us the blessing we do not deserve. The prophet Micah asked, Who is a God like You, who pardons sin, because He delights in mercy (Micah 7:18)? In the ages to come, God will show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
What is your own But God story, and with whom could you share it in two or three minutes this week?
Created for Good Works
Paul declares, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8-9). Salvation is not of works, so no one can boast. Yet Paul continues: we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has prepared beforehand that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10). We are not saved by good works, but we are saved for good works. Jesus said to let our light shine so others see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). Christ gave Himself to make us a people zealous of good works (Titus 2:14). God has already prepared good things for you to do. Your task is to walk in them.
What good work do you sense God has placed in front of you right now, and what is the first step you will take toward it this week?
Conclusion
Ephesians 2 tells the story of every believer. We were dead in sin and unable to save ourselves. But God, rich in mercy and great in love, made us alive with Christ. We are saved by grace through faith, as a free gift, so that no one can boast. And we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. From start to finish, our salvation is the work of Jesus and the glory belongs to Him.
Share this study
Send it to a friend, your family group or your cell group. The link opens this week’s study on any phone.