Wednesday 3/30/22

Read Ephesians 2:1-10

As you read these verses, think back to the time in your life the Holy Spirit called you to repentance and rebirth as a son or daughter of God. This should be a very sweet memory for all of us.

After a powerful, beautiful explanation of what God has done for them as believers in chapter one, Paul switches gears in chapter two. In the first three verses, he lays out before them their previous condition. Reminding them they thought they were fully alive while they were actually dead, walking in the darkness of sin. The first time they read this I imagine they were a bit shocked with the brutal honesty. Then chapter 4; “But God”.

In the next seven verses Paul explains the richness of God’s grace. Paul boldly tells them that God’s grace has extracted them from the death of sin into true life, even eternal life. He drives home the truth by telling them their salvation was only possible through the free gift of grace from God. He emphasizes that salvation is not possible by the works of man, only by the grace of God. How humbling to realize there is nothing we can do, make, buy or sell that can bring about salvation. We are powerless and totally dependent upon God for our salvation.

How often do we stop to consider how dead we were before God’s grace changed our lives? Do we fully understand the great gift God has given us?

Today would be a good time to give it some thought.

(Wade Stoller, Westside Home Group)