Saturday Scripture | Ephesians: Unmerited Grace

Today, we continue our journey exploring Paul’s letter titled “Ephesians” that he wrote, inspired by the Holy Spirit, as a circular letter to be exchanged between several local churches throughout what was then Asia Minor.

In previous weeks, we examined what we know as the first chapter of Paul’s powerful letter. We know, from our studies, that Ephesians focuses primarily on doctrine and characteristics marking a mature local church. The last three chapters offer a more practical application of what the life of a maturing follower of Christ looks like if they exercise the beliefs Paul outlined in the first part of this foundational letter.

Today, we begin examining Chapter Two, a passage heavy on the doctrines of grace and unity in Jesus—the oneness in Christ of the church. In recalling Chapter One, we know that the Lord has blessed us with every spiritual blessing and that God is worthy of worship and praise.

Ephesians 2:1-10 (NIV)

“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 and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 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. 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. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 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. 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. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
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We were dead, spiritually separated from God, who chose us before the creation of the world. We were intended to be holy and blameless, but because sin had entered into the world and infected every generation thereafter, you and I could not meet this standard on our own. We were born with a God-sized hole in our heart, mind, and soul. Only God could help us. Apart from Him, we could not do anything about our problem. We didn’t even recognize we had a problem!

Before God’s intervention in our lives, you and I were dead. We lacked belief. We did not know God. We did not seek the things of God, but rather sought only to please ourselves and live life according to our own will. Thankfully, the Lord pursued us and drew is into a deep, personal relationship with Himself. God showered us with unmerited favor.not because we earned it. Not because we deserved it. But simply because it pleased God to rescue us.

In Christ, you and I have been resuscitated back to life. We are rescued. Redeemed. Hallelujah!

Prayer:

God, thank You so much for rescuing me from death and giving me a new life. Lord knows, I did nothing to deserve it. I did not earn it. You simply gave, out of love for me. I am grateful. Thank You for choosing me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

May you and those dear to you be blessed. Thank you for reading this post and following my blog. Feel free to leave a comment in the “COMMENTS” section to let me know you were here.

Blessings,

The Devotional Guy™

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