And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this

world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of

disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of

the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. (Ephesians 2:1-3)

Our devotions this week will focus on Ephesians 2:1-10. This is a very important passage in Scripture that

not only describes the sinner’s profound need for God’s mercy and grace, but also how God chose to

reconcile sinners to Himself. We will discuss the principle of justification by grace through faith in Christ,

which according to Martin Luther, is the article upon which the church will stand or fall.

In Ephesians 2:1-3, the Apostle Paul delivers a powerful diagnosis of the human condition. We were

"dead in the trespasses and sins," ensnared by our own misdeeds and the brokenness of the world

around us. This spiritual death signifies our estrangement from God, who is the source of all life and

goodness.

However, this passage does more than diagnose our condition before God; it also reminds us of our

shared humanity. "All of us also lived among them at one time," Paul writes, acknowledging that no one

is immune to the lure of sin. We were united in our disobedience. We collectively deserve God's wrath.

Yet, the text does not leave us to despair. It sets the stage for the glorious contrast between our past

state and the hope we have in Christ. In the verses that follow, Paul will expound on the grace that God

extends to us, despite our unworthiness.

Consider your life before you knew Christ. Remember the emptiness of chasing after the "passions of

our flesh." Now, look at your life through the lens of God's grace. How has it changed? Where do you

see evidence of new life?

Take a moment to reflect on the universality of sin. It's easy to see the faults in others while overlooking

our own. Remember that "we all once lived" in sin, which fosters humility and compassion for those

who are still caught in its grasp.

Prayerfully acknowledge your continuing need for God’s grace and express your immense gratitude to

Him for granting it to you.

Let us go forth in the assurance of our salvation and the knowledge that we have been awakened from

death to life by the grace of God. May this truth empower us to live with purpose, love with sincerity,

and extend grace to all.

Jim Connell

Jim is the founder and retired director of Lexington Rescue Mission and the author of

JesusIsLordBlog.com.