INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. Hath, He Quickened You?
Introductory Remarks.
1. In our lesson today, we will discuss the theme: Hath, He Quickened You? The word "quickened" means to be made alive. This quickening occurred when you were dead in your trespasses and sins with Christ. It was then God saved you by His grace. The question before us today is this: “Hath, He made you alive in Christ: having forgiven you all your trespasses and sins?” God did this because of His immeasurable love and grace towards us. God saved us by grace: and forgave us: when we were united with Christ.
2. Many will immediately reject this truth because they believe baptism is not essential to salvation. However, God has placed salvation in Christ. The repentant believer is granted God's grace in baptism "through the faith of the operation of God," Colossians 2:11-13. The God of heaven who had given Christ for our sins; and chosen us in Christ before the world began; “has manifested His word of eternal life through preaching; committed to the holy apostles and prophets: according to the commandment of God, our Savior, Jesus Christ,” Titus 1:1-3.
3. God has placed our cleansing from sins in the water while with Christ Jesus. The lame man waited for the "troubling of the water” after the angel had gotten into the pool. He made every attempt to get in the pool while agitated, to be healed of his affliction. It was only possible if he got into the pool with the angel during the water’s agitation. No bystander would dare say: "there is nothing in the water." For this impotent man, healing was possible in the water. And he had made innumerable attempts, to get into the pool while it was being troubled!
4. God has placed forgiveness of sins and salvation in Christ. Those who willingly get into the water with Him will be cleansed of all their trespasses and sins: “through God’s quickening power, while they are together with Christ.” And, this will be the only time, we the sinners: will ever be with Jesus in our sins! Therefore, until this union with Christ, the sinners will remain in their sins and transgressions. Only through faith and obedience to the gospel of Christ can the sinner be forgiven of sins and be saved: through the faith of the operation of God’s manifold love, mercy, and grace. With this brief introduction, we are now ready to answer this question: "Hath, He Quickened You?"
BODY OF LESSON
I HATH, HE QUICKENED YOU?
A. God’s quickening power. In this lesson, we will be discussing the subject of God's quickening power. This lesson is what I call a "textual sermon." We will draw from the text, the sermon title, its main points, and the conclusion for this lesson. Believers in God will readily identify the actual message and hope in God’s quickening power. I trust you will also engage in this lesson with me as we answer the question: Hath, He quickened you?
1. Jesus said: "It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life,” John 6:63. All members of the Godhead (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) hath quickening powers. Observe,
a. The Father. Paul wrote Timothy: “I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession,” 1 Timothy 6:13; Romans 4:17.
b. The Son. Jesus said: "For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them, even so, the Son quickeneth whom He will," John 5:21.
c. The Holy Ghost, see John 6:63; Psalms 119:40.
1) Peter wrote: “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit,” 1 Peter 3:18. This quickening enabled the resurrection of Jesus from the dead and doth also now save us, 1 Peter 3:20-22.
2) Paul wrote: “But if the Spirit of him that raised Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies, by His Spirit that dwelleth in you,” Romans 8:11; Romans 8:23; Ephesians 1:13-14; Ephesians 4:30.
3) Paul again: “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, and received up into glory,” 1 Timothy 3:16.
d. The word of God. Paul wrote: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing down even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart,” Hebrews 4:12; Psalms 119:154. It enlightens us to discern between “good and evil,” Hebrews 5:12-14.
e. Conclusion: The divine Godhead hath quickening power. The word of God quickeneth and giveth light, understanding, and righteousness. Paul affirms that while we were with Jesus, dead in our trespasses and sins, God quickened us: granting eternal life and salvation through His grace. This process of forgiveness is absent from most preaching of Christ, unto sincere believers.
2. Paul wrote: “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins,” Ephesians 2:1; Ephesians 2:5. Notice, the quickening took place while we were dead in trespasses and sins. This meant that we were made alive, when our spirits were revived, by God, Romans 14:9. We were then made alive in Christ. It was then that God: "Restored the right spirit within us and given us His Holy Spirit, Psalms 51:10-13; 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8. He hath sealed us with His Holy Spirit, Ephesians 1:13-14. Paul continued,
3. He again wrote: “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He hath quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses,” Colossians 2:13. As a result of our quickening, “we have been forgiven all of our trespasses and sins,” Isaiah 38:16-17. Praise be to God! Let's dig a little deeper into this lesson. Observe,
B. Quickened. The verb quickened in Gr., is syzoopoieo or sood-zo-op-oy-eh'-o, which means to reanimate conjointly with, alongside, or united with: —quicken together with Christ. To make one alive together, the sinner alongside or with Christ. In this context, the sinner is with Christ, then quickened (or made alive), saved by grace, and risen from the dead with Him. Observe, Paul affirms,
1. God quickened or made the Ephesians alive in his Letter, to them, when they were once: “dead in their trespasses and sins,” Ephesians 2:1; Ephesians 2:5.
2. Quickened us together. Paul wrote to the saints at Colossae: “And, you being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all (of your) trespasses (and sins),” Colossians 2:13; Ephesians 2:1. He wrote to Ephesus: "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us: Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace you are saved)," Ephesians 2:4-5.
3. Why did God quicken us? He continued: “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us: Even when we were dead…Hath quickened us together with Christ (by grace you are saved),” Ephesians 2:4-5. Several things are indicated in these verses. Observe,
a. First, “God is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us,” Ephesians 2:4. It was God's love and mercy that compelled Him to quicken and save us, while we were "with Christ."
1) John wrote: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends, if you do whatsoever, I command you,” John 15:13-14; John 3:16. Also, "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous," 1 John 5:3. God's commandments are not given to be grievous in our service, but to enable us: “to fulfill all righteousness,” Psalms 119:151; 119:172; Matthew 3:15-17; Jude 1:24-25.
2) Paul wrote: “But God commendeth His love towards us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us…much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life…but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now receive the atonement,” Romans 5:8-11; Romans 5:1-5.
b. Further, “Even when we were dead in sins (and trespasses),” Ephesians 2:5a.
c. Next, "hath quickened us together with Christ,” Ephesians 2:5b.
d. Finally, “(By grace you are saved,) Ephesians 2:5c.
e. Analysis: Paul reveals that God who is rich in mercy, because of His great love, that when these believers were dead in their trespasses and sins, and the uncircumcision of their flesh; He hath quickened them together with Christ, and by His grace, they were saved.
4. Where were these Ephesians when all this occurred? We know what condition they were in when they were with: Christ! They were dead in their trespasses and sins. I might add, this will be the only time we will be with Christ in our sins. We must look further in this Letter or elsewhere for a definitive answer. Observe,
a. Paul, wrote further, in Colossians chapter 2, verses 11-13, the following: “In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also you have risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses (and sins),” Colossians 2:11-13.
b. Beloved in the Lord, all this happened when we were with Christ in baptism: while “dead in our trespasses and sins,” Ephesians 2:1; Romans 6:1-7. To the believer, it is understood that we were with Christ while in our sins and transgressions. Then, we were quickened (made alive) and saved by God's grace: making us alive again: in Christ. Jesus illustrated this awakening,
1) To the Prodigal Son, the father said: "For this, my son was dead, and is alive again: he was lost, and now is found," Luke 15:24; Luke 15:32. The Son was dead while separated from his father. Once he returned, the Son was made alive by the father's forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration. So is the case in our separation from God because of our sins, Isaiah 59:1-2; Job 11:4; Proverbs 20:9. “For all have sinned, and fallen short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23.
2) Paul wrote: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me,” Galatians 2:20; Galatians 1:4. Including himself,
3) Paul inscribed: “Knowing that the works of the law do not justify a man, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that the faith of Christ might justify us, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified,” Galatians 2:16. Also, he wrote: "But that the law justifies no man in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith,” Galatians 3:11; Romans 3:28-31.
NOTE: This is a fulfillment of Habakkuk's prophecy: "The just shall live by his faith,” Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; Hebrews 10:38. This will be our last point in this sermon!
a) Paul will explain Habakkuk’s meaning in Ephesians chapter two, verses 8-9. We will explore his meaning in our text of emphasis.
b) This will be a very informative discussion on how God saves all sinners by His grace.
c) We will permit the apostle Paul to explain his reference: “For by grace, you are saved through faith,” Ephesians 2:8-9. Consider,
c. God’s quickening power. Made us alive in Christ. Christ’s quickening power will make our bodies alive when He returns on the last day. Paul wrote: “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the first-fruits; afterward they that are Christ's at His coming…Then cometh the end…The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death," 1 Corinthians 15:22-26; John 5:25-29.
d. B. W. Johnson wrote: “The dead shall hear (His) voice. Those spiritually dead, as well as those in their graves. They shall hear, and the Son will bestow upon them eternal life. For the Son hath, by the will of the Father, life in himself and can bestow it…Those in the graves shall hear his voice and come forth to judgment; the good, to the resurrection of life; the evil, to the resurrection of damnation; the one to life eternal, the other class to condemnation,” Page 251. (My insertions). NOTE: The Lord illustrated this judgment at His return. Matthew wrote: “When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all of His holy angels with Him, then shall he sit upon the throne of His glory: And there shall be gathered before Him all nations…And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal,” Matthew 25:31-46.
e. Conclusion: Sin separates us from God. Grace received from God through faith and obedience restores us to His favor. The repentant believer is restored and reconciled unto God through their obedience to the gospel of Christ, Romans 1:16. Observe,
1) First, “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us (His ministers) the message of reconciliation,” 2 Corinthians 5:18-22; Proverbs 13:17; Isaiah 33:7.
2) Further, David wrote: “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, and whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit, there is no guile,” Psalms 32:1-2; Romans 4:6-8. Several words in this text require some explanation. Observe, whose:
a) Transgression is forgiven. One's rebellion, sin, transgression, or trespasses, forgiven by God.
b) Sins are covered. To clad oneself, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, to be hidden from God’s view. God has covered or hidden our sins, Isaiah 43:25; Psalms 85:2; Hebrews 8:12.
c) Not imputeth iniquity. Not to think on, regard, value, compute or tally up to one’s account.
d) In whose spirit there is no guile. One's life is absent of deceit, falsity, guile, betrayal, or fraud.
3) Next, “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” Ephesians 6:19-20; Acts 28:31.
a) The word “reconciled” in this verse means: “to return to one’s favor, received back, restored, or to be reunited with God, in good standing,” Ephesians 2:16; Colossians 1:20.
b) In this case, to be forgiven and restored unto God by His love, mercy, and grace through Christ Jesus. Recall, “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us (His ministers) the word of reconciliation,” 2 Corinthians 5:19. That is: “the gospel of peace, that brings glad tidings of good things,” Romans 10:15; Ephesians 2:17; Ephesians 6:15.
c) Through the gospel of the “grace of God” Acts 20:24. The believer’s faithful obedience to it: “Justifies him by faith, and give him peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ. By whom also he has access by faith into this grace wherein he stands, and rejoices in the hope of the glory of God,” Romans 5:1-2. I wish I had some help!
d) David wrote: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Psalms 133:1. In this case: the sinner is forgiven, reconciled, and restored; now dwelling together with God: “In heavenly places in Christ Jesus,” Ephesians 2:6; Ephesians 1:20-23. Paul again,
4) Finally, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him,” 2 Corinthians 5:19-21. The apostle also wrote: “That we being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life,” Romans 5:10-11.
NOTE: Download our lesson: Be Ye Reconciled to God, from SermonCentral.com; it explains the acts of reconciliation and restoration to God through Christ Jesus our Lord. Paul continues, stating that God has,
C. Raise us together with Christ. He inscribes: “And hath raised us together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus,” Ephesians 2:6. Let’s consider each of these phrases.
1. Raised us together: "God hath raised us together with Christ." What is meant, He hath raised us together with Christ? As God hath raised Christ physically from the dead, Paul states: He hath raised the sinner spiritually from the dead: out of the waters of baptism. In chapter 6, verses 1-7, Paul's Letter to the Romans gives us an analogy of this unquestionable truth of God. Observe,
a. First, Paul asks, “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" Romans 6:1-2. He asks, do we continue in sin, day after day, just because God is rich in love, mercy, and grace? His answer was, no! If, in truth, we are dead to sin, how can we live any longer in its practices?
1) The "old man" has been crucified; that the body of sin might be destroyed. How, then, could we still abide in sin?
2) Being dead means that the sinful practices of life have been crucified, buried, and all its lust and desires have been put away, Galatians 5:16-18; Galatians 5:24.
3) Living in the old man and his sin is contrary to God's call of grace: “To live soberly, righteously and godly, in this present world,” Titus 2:11-12.
4) We have put off the "old man" and his deeds, Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:9-10.
b. Further, he asks, "Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?" Romans 6:3. In this question, lye our answer.
1) Don't you know: "that when we were baptized into Jesus Christ, we were baptized into His death?” Therefore, our baptism unites us with Christ’s death and burial.
2) Our death and burial were due to our sins and transgressions. Christ’s death and burial were done on behalf of the world’s sins and transgressions, 1 Timothy 2:3-6; Matthew 20:28.
3) His death, burial, and resurrection were necessary to pay the penalty for the sins of the entire world, 1 John 2:1-2.
4) That all sinners might be reconciled unto God, by the death of His Son, Romans 5:10-11.
c. Next, he states: “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so, we also should walk in newness of life,” Romans 6:4. The apostle concludes: that our burial with Him in baptism into His death; likewise, ensures that like Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even we also shall rise to walk in the newness of life in Christ.
d. Added, his condition: “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall also be in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him (in baptism), that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin,” Romans 6:5-6; Colossians 2:11-13.
1) His conditional statement: “If we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection.” You can’t have one without the other!
2) Notice Paul’s use of: “If we are planted together in the likeness of His death; and, He hath quicken us together with Christ,” Romans 6:5; Ephesians 2:5; Colossians 2:13. Dead things are buried!
3) The Letter to the Romans presents the doctrine of faith and obedience to the gospel. The Letters to Ephesus and Colossae is the form of the doctrine in practical obedience by every believer.
4) Paul wrote: “But God be thanked, that you were the servants of sin, but you have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, you became the servants of righteousness,” Romans 6:17-18; Romans 6:22.
e. Finally, his affirmation: “For he that is dead is freed from sin,” Romans 6:7. Therefore, if we have died to sin and were buried, we have been freed from sins: forgiven, released, and cleanse from our sins and transgressions. John wrote: “For if Christ has made us free; then, are we free indeed,” John 8:31-32; John 8:36. This freedom has made us a new man in Christ. Stand fast therefore in the “liberty wherein Christ has made us free,” Galatians 5:1. Observe,
2. Made us sit together: We are now sitting together with Christ, communing with Him, and being cared for by our Lord and Savior. Each Lord's day, we worship and celebrate the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, while gathering around the Lord's table, 1 Corinthians 10:16; 1 Corinthians 10:21; 1 Corinthians 11:23-30. Finally, Paul places us in Christ,
3. In heavenly places in Christ Jesus: The saints are now part of the heavenly family of God. We sit in heavenly places; we seek those things which are above. The Lord now “sits at the right hand of His Father in heaven," Ephesians 1:20-23; Colossians 3:1-4.
4. Finality of truth: Therefore, the believer meets Jesus in the water in baptism. He is buried with Him while dead in trespasses and sins. There he is quickened, or (made alive), there being saved by God’s grace. The believer is then raised together with Him and sits together with Him in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Consider,
a. In baptism, God’s mercy-seat, the place of atonement. He forgives the repentant believers' sins and trespasses, and they then become: "the sons of God," Galatians 3:26-27.
b. They have been given the Holy Spirit of promise, Galatians 3:14; Acts 2:38; Acts 5:32.
c. Made heirs of eternal life, Titus 3:4-7; 1 Peter 1:22-23; Romans 6:17-18.
d. They have become God’s new creation, Ephesians 2:10. The old life has been forgiven, and the new life begins in Christ.
e. Paul wrote: "Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away, and all things become new," 2 Corinthians 5:17.
5. Distinguished authors. Here are two quotations from one of my most distinguished authors, a contemporary of Alexander Campbell. His name is B. W. Johnson, and he presents two comments that bear witness to this topic. Consider his comment on baptism as a re-enactment of the tragedy of the cross of Christ. Observe,
a. B. W. Johnson wrote: “Paul teaches that we must re-enact the tragedy of the cross: The agony of Christ, crucifixion (Gal. 2:20; Rom. 6:5), death (Rom. 6:3), burial (Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12), rising with Christ (Rom. 6:5; Col. 2:12; 3:1). Let it be noted that “the putting off of the body of the sins of the flesh” (verse 11) is associated with baptism (verse 13). Wherein ye were also raised with him (Revision). We are raised (in baptism), as he was raised from the grave…we rise to a new life through faith…We are buried with Christ, quickened with him, rise with him. Having (been) forgiven. See Acts 2:38, Page 559-560. (Insertions are mine). B. W. Johnson also commented on Ephesians 2:1-10. Brother Johnson connects Romans and Colossians on baptism. Observe,
b. B. W. Johnson penned: "Hath quickened us together with Christ. He quickened Christ and raised him, so when we were dead in sins, he gave us spiritual life by the gospel and lifted us to a new life. "We were planted in the likeness of his death and resurrection" (Rom. 6:5). By grace, ye are saved. Not by works of the law, as he has shown so fully in the Galatian Letter. And hath raised us together. Buried into the death of Christ, we have risen with Christ (Col. 2:12). We are risen as new creatures to walk with the Risen Christ, with our minds on heavenly things (Col. 3:1). To sit in heavenly places. In our present state, to have our minds above (Col. 3:2),” Page 528-529. Matthew Henry also commented on these important verses. Observe,
c. He wrote: “Those who are baptized into Christ have put on Christ; for thence it appears that under the gospel baptism...(all) are devoted to Christ, and do sincerely believe in him, are as much admitted into the privileges of the Christian...We put on Christ in our baptism; therein, we profess our discipleship to him and are obliged to behave as his faithful servants. Being baptized into Christ, we are baptized into his death, that as he died and rose again, so, in conformity thereunto, we should die unto sin, and (rise to) walk-in newness of life (Rom. vi. 3, 4)," Page 1160-1161. Matthew Henry is known for his complete Commentary on the Bible. He was sincere, honest, and dedicated to a truthful explanation of the text.
d. Finally, we need to address one more point in this lesson. That is, the quickening power through the "operation of God through the faith in Christ Jesus." Please, turn to Colossians chapter two, and place your eyes on verses 11-13. Paul explained this process to the saints at Colossae. It is important for us also to understand God’s operations. Observe,
D. Operation of God. In Paul's Letter to the Colossians, he describes God’s quickening power: "through the faith of the operation of God," Colossians 2:11-13. To understand God’s divine process, we must return to Paul’s Letter, to the saints at Colossae. We will see in it the "pattern of conversion," as outlined in the Book of Acts. Observe--
1. Paul wrote: “In whom (Christ) also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ,” Colossians 2:11.
2. He continues: “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are raised with him through the faith of the operation (working) of God, who hath raised him from the dead,” Colossians 2:12.
3. He concludes: "And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses," Colossians 2:13-14. Let's now consider Paul's analysis of the "new man;" that has been created "through the faith of the gospel of Christ." Observe,
a. First, it begins by our “putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ.” To the Ephesians: “Even when we were dead in trespasses and sins,” Ephesians 2:1; Ephesians 2:5. In Romans, he called this: “being crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed,” Romans 6:6; Colossians 2:11.
b. Further, by being “buried with Him (Christ) in baptism, wherein also ye are raised with Him.” To the Romans: “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism...even so we also should walk in newness of life,” Romans 6:3-6.
c. Next, through the faith (dia tas pisteos) of the operation (energeia) of God, who hath raised Him (Christ) from the dead,” Colossians 2:12.
d. Additionally, “And we being dead in our sins and the uncircumcision of our flesh.” To the Ephesians: “Even when we were dead in sins,” Ephesians 2:5.
e. Particularly, “He hath quickened (us) together with Him.” To the Ephesians: “Hath quickened us together with Christ,” Ephesians 2:5.
f. Finally, God "having forgiven you all trespasses," Colossians 2:13. To the Ephesians: "(by grace, you are saved)," Ephesians 2:5. I suggest that: "Being forgiven all trespasses;" and "by grace, ye are saved," are synonymous. Both are ONLY possible: "Through obedience to the faith of the gospel of Christ," Romans 1:16; Acts 6:7.
4. Paul harmonizes God’s divine process within his Letters to the Colossians, Romans, and Ephesians. Each presents the same message of regeneration: creating the "new man" or making the saved believer: God's "masterpiece" in Christ Jesus, Ephesians 2:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17.
5. Conclusion: The new creature, the new man, is the product of "the operation of God," in the "new birth" or "regeneration," John 3:3-5; Titus 3:5.
a. If one has been born again, regenerated, or become a new creature – it was done - through: "the circumcision of Christ," or “the faith of the operation of God,” Colossians 2:11-12.
b. As a result of God's work of regeneration, the new creature, or the new creation: where "old things are passed away; behold, all things have become new," 2 Corinthians 5:17. Amen, somebody!
c. Paul enjoins the "circumcision of Christ" and the "putting off the body of the sins of the flesh." They are the same thing. The word circumcision in the Gr. is peristome, or pe-re-to-ma', which means:
1) The extinction of the passions; and, the removal of all spiritual impurity.
2) That is: "The putting off, or the removal of the sins of the flesh," Colossians 2:11.
3) Now we are ready to consider our last thought in this lesson: “by grace, you are saved.”
d. Let's return to Paul's Letter to Ephesus again. Please turn to chapter two, verses 8-9, in your bibles. You have been a kind and patient audience. Observe,
E. By grace, you are saved. We are returning to our discussion earlier in the sermon. We will now engage in a better understanding of Paul’s reference: "By grace, you are saved through faith…it is the gift of God…lest any man should boast,” Ephesians 2:8-9.
1. He wrote: “For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast,” Ephesians 2:8-9. Paul explained to these saints: “By grace are you saved through faith.” Like in the Book of Galatians, the definite article: “the” was also not translated into English in this text.
a. Truly, if rightly translated, it reads: “For by grace are you saved through the faith,” Ephesians 2:8a. Many translations do not include the definite article in their translation of this verse.
b. Likewise, the verse concludes as: “And not of yourselves: it is the gift of God,” Ephesians 2:8b.
c. The Textus Receptus includes the definite article “the” in their manuscript.
NOTE: The earliest manuscripts have the article “the” in its rightful place: (i.e., Stephanus Textus Receptus 1550; Scrivener's Textus Receptus 1894; and the Greek Orthodox Church 1904, etc.). These translations contain the definite article “the” in front of the word “faith” – and after the word “through,” in Ephesians 2:8. Obtain yourself a good Interlinear New Testament.
d. The Englishman’s Greek New Testament, The Greek Text of Stephens 1550, An Interlinear Literal Translation, renders Ephesians 2:8, like this: “For by grace ye are saved through the faith [dia tas pisteos]; and this not of yourselves; [it is] God’s gift: not of works, that not anyone might boast,” Page 503.
2. B. W. Johnson also has commented on the definite article in Ephesians 2:8. Like Galatians chapter three, the Committee did not translate the definite article.
a. He wrote: “The definite article is found before faith in the Greek, showing that the faith, or the gospel, is meant. It is the gift of God. Salvation is not due to ourselves but is God's gift. The grammatical construction of the Greek does not allow us to make "faith" the subject of the last clause. It refers to the previous clause, (that) you are saved, etc. So says John Wesley in his Notes," Page 529.
NOTE: It is not "faith," but “salvation through the faith,” which is the gift of God.
b. The Ephesians then, like all others, were saved by grace through the faith – And “not through the law of works, lest any man should boast,” Ephesians 2:9. The “gift” is the grace of God, not our faith. Salvation is not granted merely upon our faith; or through a system of works,” Ephesians 2:9; Romans 10:16-18.
c. Justification, or salvation then, is granted through one’s belief and obedience to the faith: learned by hearing, believing, and obeying the gospel of Christ, Acts 18:8; Acts 6:7; Romans 10:16-18. There is also another scripture that bears our investigation of this truth. In Paul's Letter to the Galatians, the definite article is also missing in several key passages. Notice,
3. The missing definite article. This same exclusion of the definite article (the) is also noted. Paul wrote: “But that the law justifies no man in the sight of God, it is evident: for, the just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith: but, the man that doeth them shall live in them,” Galatians 3:11-12. Here we have it: “The just shall live or be justified by faith, and not through the deeds of the law shall any man be justified in the sight of God.” Observe,
a. Justification is not through the law. Recall, “But before (the) faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterward be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that (the) faith has come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster,” Galatians 3:23-25. The schoolmaster here: was the Law. Now, after that, “the faith has come,” we are “no longer under its teachings.”
b. You might have noticed, I have inserted the definite article “the” before each mention of faith in Galatians 3:23. Which reads, “but before the faith came…and, but after that, the faith has come.” The definite article "the" was not translated in this scripture into English.
c. However, the definite article is part of the original Greek text but was not translated into its English version here, and, in several other verses, in Paul’s Letter to the Galatians. Therefore, the meaning here is: “the faith” or the working of the faith revealed in Christ’s coming.
1) Christ then is not only the "seed" which was to come but also His coming was to reveal or make known to all “the gospel of the faith in Him.” It was through Paul's “preaching of the good news (the gospel) of the faith” that these Galatians were: “called by the grace of God,” Galatians 1:6-7; Galatians 1:23; Acts 16:4-6. Now, regarding the omitted “definite article” “the” in this Letter,
2) B. W. Johnson wrote: “The fact that the apostles so often (placed) the definite article before the word faith so that in the Greek he speaks of The Faith, leaves no doubt of his meaning. (Unfortunately), the translators have obscured the meaning by omitting the article. Thus, in this chapter, the Greek gives the definite article (the) before the word faith, five times, where it is omitted in the Common Version. The examples are Galatians 3:14; Galatians 3:23 (twice); Galatians 3:25; and Galatians 3:26,” page 515.
4. Conclusion: As I conclude, some might say there is nothing in baptism. They must have never read Ephesians 2, Colossians 2, Galatians 3, and Romans 6. These Letters all say the same thing. In baptism, we are born again, regenerated, and become a new creation, John 3:3-5; Titus 3:4-7; 2 Corinthians 5:17. Like the impotent man needed to get into the water, while the angel was agitating it for cleansing. So, doth the sinner needs to get into the water, with Jesus to be cleansed of their sins. Who then is baptized?
5. Sinners are baptized. Therefore, sinners are baptized: being then united with Christ, they are forgiven of their sins and transgressions. This union with Christ enabled the repentant believers: “to receive the remission (forgiveness) of sins, or to wash away their sins,” 1 Corinthians 6:11; Acts 18:8. Notice these examples,
a. Peter instructed believers: “To repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and that they might receive the gift of the Holy Ghost,” Acts 2:38.
b. Ananias advised Saul: “To arise and be baptized to wash away his sins, calling on the name of the Lord,” Acts 22:16.
c. In baptism, the repentant believer is forgiven of their sins by the quickening power of God. How else could an honest person interpret Paul’s account of his and the Ephesians’ obedience after they had: “heard the word of truth, the gospel of their salvation, and were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise?” Ephesians 1:13-14; Ephesians 2:1; Ephesians 2:4-7.
d. Now let's see how all this applies to our salvation. To do this, we must visit the Lord's "marching orders" given unto His apostles before His ascension into the heavens, Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16. Observe Jesus' instruction to them,
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. Hath, He Quickened You?
B. Summarize main points.
1. Many have immediately rejected this truth because they believe baptism is not essential to salvation. However, God has placed salvation in Christ. The repentant believer is granted God's grace in baptism "through the faith of the operation of God," Colossians 2:11-13. The God of heaven who had given Christ for our sins; and chosen us in Christ before the world began; "has manifested His word of eternal life through preaching; committed to the holy apostles and prophets: according to the commandment of God, our Savior, Jesus Christ," Titus 1:1-3.
2. God has placed our cleansing from sins in the water with Christ Jesus. The lame man waited for the "troubling of the water" after the angel entered the pool. He made every attempt to get in the pool while agitated, to be healed of his affliction. It was only possible if he got into the pool with the angel while still agitated. No bystander would dare say: "There is nothing in the water." For this impotent man, he believed his healing was in the water.
3. God has placed forgiveness of sins and salvation in Christ. Those who willingly get into the water with Him will be cleansed of all their trespasses and sins: "through God's quickening power, while they are together with Christ." And, this will be the only time, we, the sinners: will ever be with Jesus in our sins! Therefore, until this union with Christ, the sinners will remain in their sins and transgressions. Only through faith and obedience to the gospel of Christ can the sinner be forgiven of sins and be saved: through the faith in the operation of God's manifold love, mercy, and grace.
C. Invitation. Present the plan of salvation. H.B.R.C.B.
D. Exhortation.
E. Motivation.
Commendations:
I give credit to all my contributors, I, therefore: "Render to all their dues: tributes to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; and honor to whom honor, (is due)," Romans 13:7. I thank and acknowledge my consultation with these distinguished authors in this lesson.
References:
1. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible, by Matthew Henry, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Grand Rapids, MI, 1706.
2. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.
3. The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament; United Bible Societies,’ Fourth, Corrected Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 1990.
4. Textus Receptus, taken from the Greek Text of Stephens 1550, The Englishman’s Greek New Testament, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, First Zondervan Printing, 1970.
5. Clarke Commentary on the Bible, Eight Volumes, Published, 1810-1826, New York, Published by J. Emory and B. Waugh, for the Methodist Episcopal Church, at the conference office, 13 Crosby-Street., J. Collord, Printer, 1831.
6. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, by W. E. Vine, Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, NJ, Copyright, 1981.
7. Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary © 2015 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated; Springfield, Massachusetts, 01105.
8. Merriam-Webster Online Thesaurus © 2015 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated; Springfield, Massachusetts, 01105.
9. Smith's Bible Dictionary, William Smith, Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Printing 1884.
Contact Information:
Ron Freeman, Evangelist
Worldwide Ministry Church of Christ.org
https://wwmchurchofchrist.org
Contact me at: wwmcoc@earthlink.net
