In these opening verses of Ephesians 2, Paul describes the radical transformation that takes place when a person comes to faith in Jesus Christ. He shows us who we once were, who we are now, and the glorious future that awaits every believer.
1. Our Past — When We Were Enemies of God (vv. 1–3)
Before Christ we were dead in trespasses and sins—spiritually lifeless, unable to know, seek, or desire God. We were enslaved by the world, by the influence of Satan, and by the desires of our own fallen nature. By nature we were children of wrath. A dead person cannot improve his condition; only God’s intervention can bring life.
2. Our Present — Made Alive by the Divine Power of God (vv. 4–6)
“But God…” Those two words change everything. Because of His rich mercy and great love, God made us alive together with Christ, raised us up, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places. We did not earn this; it is the work of His grace. Even now God views every believer as already seated with Christ, and we live as ambassadors of heaven while we remain on earth.
3. Our Glorious Future — Displaying the Riches of His Grace (vv. 7–10)
Throughout the ages to come, God will continue to show the exceeding riches of His grace and kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. We have been saved by grace through faith—and even that faith is a gift of God—not by works, so that no one may boast. We are God’s workmanship (His masterpiece), created in Christ Jesus for the good works He prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Salvation is entirely of God, yet it produces a new life marked by grateful service. If you recognize that you are still spiritually dead and long for this new life, the free gift of salvation is available today through faith in Jesus Christ.
