Ephesians 2:1-10

Today’s text reminds us of the popular hymn penned by Julia H. Johnston (1849-1919), “Grace Greater Than Our Sin.”

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount out-poured–
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt {shed}

In Ephesians  2:1-10, Paul takes them (and us) from the depths of despair and Satan’s snare to the heights of greater hope and infinite glory.

Consider this a “cliff notes” explanation of this rich passage, using an outline adapted from Warren Wiersbe’s commentary.

Our Condition Enslaved in Sin (2:1-3)

1. Dead.

“Dead in trespasses and sins” means spiritually dead. Dead to spiritual stimuli and spiritual influences. Separated from God. Severed from Christ. And detached from the Spirit of life.

Wiersbe states the condition bluntly and correctly. “The unbeliever is not sick; he is dead! He does not need resuscitation; he needs resurrection.”

2. Disobedient.

Sin begins with disobedience. And all disobedience to God’s Word is sin. Whether it’s sins of omission, or commission. Sin is unrighteousness. Sin is lawlessness. Sin is an affront to a holy God.

The text reminds us that sin’s disobedience is triggered by the influence of the world, Satan’s schemes, and our fleshly lusts.

3. Depraved.

The sinner is in a wanton, warped, and wicked state. Paul describes it as one where we act out fleshly passions due to evil desires, hedonistic yearnings, and the enticement of carnal pleasures. It’s not a pretty picture.

4. Doomed.

This is the sentence of condemnation of those separated from God, without hope, and walking “according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air.”

“But God…” (2:4-7)

Those two words make all the difference. They speak to God’s work to procure our salvation. To deliver us from the clutches of Satan and the consequences of sin.

1. He loved us.

“God is love,” (1 Jn. 4:8). That’s His nature. His character. His personality. God’s love is demonstrated in both His mercy and His grace.

Grace is often defined as “unmerited favor.” And mercy involves kindness. Good will. Compassion. And pity. It’s been said that grace gives us what we don’t deserve. And mercy withholds what we do deserve.

The late Ken Green once expressed it this way.

Mercy withholds the punishment we rightly deserve. Grace not only withholds that punishment, but offers the most precious gifts instead.

Mercy withholds the knife from the heart of Isaac. Grace provides a ram in the thicket.

Mercy runs to forgive the Prodigal Son. Grace throws an extravagant party for him.

Mercy pays the penalty for our sin at the cross. Grace provides unsearchable riches as an inheritance.

Mercy closes the door to Hell. Grace opened the door to Heaven.

Further note the words “rich” and “riches” describe the abundant wealth and unlimited supply of God’s blessings.

2. He made us Alive.

We were spiritually dead, but now we are spiritually alive. Resurrected to “walk in newness of life.” Interestingly, Paul uses the symbolism of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection, to compare it to our baptism “into Christ,” when we were “baptized into His death” (Rom. 6:1-6).

3. He Exalted us.

“He raised us up to together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”

As Colly Caldwell explained we are “figuratively enthroned, sharing his dignity in the spiritual realm.” We enjoy His fellowship. Partake of His blessings. Share in his righteous reign.

God’s Work in Us and Through Us (2:8-10)

God’s grace changes us. Ennobles us. Dignifies us. But it also reminds us that we can’t take credit for our salvation. Without the gift of God’s grace. we would be lost.

However, His grace does not annul our faith, nor nullify becoming the Divine product of His workmanship. We are created in Christ for “good works.” We are saved to serve. We are made to minister. His mercy, love and grace ought to challenge us to “not become conformed to this world” (Rom. 12:2), but to be conformed to the image of Christ” (Rom. 8:29).

Indeed we can confidently sing “Marvelous Grace.”

Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman