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.
New International Version (NIV)
“But God . . .” The first three verses of Ephesians 2 reminded us of our pre-Christian state. The English Standard Version of the Bible starts verse 4, “But God . . .” It turns out that God is at his best even when we are at our worst. What is God’s response to our sinfulness? Great love and rich mercy. This is the motive of salvation. “For God so loved the world . . .” Our love waxes and wanes, runs hot and cold. But God’s love is always great and he is always rich in mercy. In mercy, God does not give us the wrath we deserve. Remember the song, “Mercy there was great and grace was free, pardon there was multiplied to me . . . at Calvary.”
Not only did God love the world, but he acted on that love. God’s work is making dead people live. So when we were dead in transgressions he made us alive with Christ. There is a precedent for our resurrection to new life. One song we sing puts it this way, “Christ is risen from the dead trampling over death by death, come awake, come awake, come and rise up from the grave.” God’s grace delivers us from the grave and saves us. Grace is when we get the life that we do not deserve.
Tony Campolo tells of a sermon he heard once at a funeral: “That was Friday . . . Sunday is coming!” This is Paul’s message. The Ephesians were dead in sin, but the God who raised Christ from the dead raised them also by grace as they placed their trust in him. No matter how dark the night, joy comes in the morning. All of our hope rests in the resurrection.
Pray with me:
Father, thank you for not giving us the wrath we deserve. We marvel at your mercy and give thanks for your grace. Lift us to life today and let us live as those who are grateful for grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
I want to invite you to join me in memorizing 52 passages this year from the 2017 set of Fighter Verses. You can find the Fighter Verses App at the App Store on your phones or via this link http://fighterverses.com/the-verses/fighter-verses/. As we study the Bible this year, let's look at each text and learn what it says about God.
Joyfully,
Duane
Copyright 2017. All Rights Reserved.
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