A. FOUR STEPS DOWN TO HELL (2:1-3)
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Eph. 2:8-9, NKJV).
1. We were dead (2:1). This is spiritual death, i.e., separation from God.
a. Trespasses. “To deviate from the right path.”
b. Sins, premeditated to do wrong, i.e., rebellion.
2. We walked (2:2). Regulating your life to go somewhere.
a. Course (drifting current) of world system, i.e., the way the unsaved do things.
b. Prince (highest demons), of air, i.e., atmosphere.
c. Spirit (energy of a self-driven life) of sons of disobedience.
3. We had our conversation (conducted daily life) (2:3).
a. Lust desire of our flesh (lower evil appetite).
b. Desires (plural) of our flesh and mind (we do what we think).
4. We were by nature (original sin nature) children of wrath (2:3).
a. We were born with a sin nature (Ps. 51:5).
b. We sin because of sin nature, just as all others.
B. FOUR STEPS UP TO HEAVEN (2:4-7)
1. We were quickened (made alive) (2:5).
a. With Christ, our life is according to His resurrection.
b. By grace, the exact opposite of what we deserve.
2. We were raised up together (2:6).
a. Can’t keep a living person in the grave.
b. Show the world by baptism and a changed life.
3. We were seated together in heaven, new position in Christ (2:6).
a. We share His throne. How can this happen? “Ye in Me, and I in you” (John 14:20). We live in Christ in heaven because He lives in us on this earth.
b. The wonderful word us includes Jews and Gentiles, “made us sit together.”
4. We are shown His grace, new revelation (2:7).
a. Ages, come rolling one upon another.
b. Exceeding riches over abounding.
c. In His kindness, begins with God’s nature.
C. FOUR THINGS GOD GIVES US
1. We are saved by grace through faith (God’s miracle v. 8).
a. Grace points back to v. 5 when it began.
b. Faith, God’s method of operation. You must believe that He exists and that He will act (Heb. 11:6).
c. Saved, you have been (past) saved, and will be (future) saved.
d. Not of yourself, you can do nothing but believe what God has done.
2. Our salvation is a gift of God (v. 8).
a. What is the gift? Whole previous statement. Some try to say faith is a gift of God to prove Calvinism, but Paul refers to all God has done, not just our response of faith.
b. Not of works, meaning your faith didn’t merit salvation but Christ merited our salvation. It is all of Him.
c. Paul used “works” plural, to exclude any work we may do.
d. Lest we boast, salvation is God’s glorification.
3. We are His workmanship (v. 10).
a. We are a product of God’s craftsmanship, i.e., just fits.
b. A craftsman displays his exhibit. God shows us off.
c. A craftsman produces His handiwork. The greatness of a created work comes from the greatness of its creator.
4. We are created in Christ Jesus (v. 10).
a. The word created is from poem. God causes us to just fit, or rhyme together to create pleasure for His enjoyment.
b. Christ Jesus, His office title of Christ reflects His cross work.
c. Good works. We were designed to do His work on earth.
d. The preposition epi means good works add to God’s glory. We can worship or glorify God.
e. The Greek construction which means, normal results.
f. Ordained, the original propose of God was to do everything for our salvation, so we could do everything for Him.
g. Walk in them, refers back to our good works becoming a poem to fit into God’s plan.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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