Grace Upon Grace Upon Grace

Dead to Life: Discovering God's Incredible Grace in Ephesians

Ephesians, Chapter 2, verses 1-10. It's a relatively short passage, but it holds the whole beautiful story of our spiritual journey—from death to life—and it all centers on one profound, life-changing idea: Grace upon Grace.

The Before: A Universal Story

If we're honest, the first part of this passage tells a story we all share. Before we truly understood God’s love, the Bible says we were "dead because of your disobedience and your many sins." (v. 1). This isn't just about making mistakes; it describes our default state, living according to our own selfish desires and the influences of the world. By our very nature, we were subject to God's just consequences—just like everyone else.

It can be a tough mirror to look into, but it's essential for what comes next. Knowing where we were makes the rescue all the more breathtaking.

The Rescue: Rich in Mercy

Here’s where the music swells! Just when we were lost in our own way, verse 4 bursts in with the most wonderful news: "But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much..."

It’s not because we cleaned up our act or earned a spot. It's because of His nature—His incredible richness in mercy. Even though we were dead in our sins, He "gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead."

And get this: "It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!" (v. 5).

This isn't something we worked for; it's a gift. Verse 8 makes this perfectly clear: "God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God." Salvation is a free pass, offered out of limitless love, to everyone who simply chooses to believe. You can finally let go of the need to earn it!

The After: God’s Masterpiece, Ready for Work

So, what happens now that we are alive in Christ? We become something truly amazing: God's masterpiece! (v. 10).

He didn’t just save us to sit on a shelf. He created us anew in Christ Jesus "so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Our good works aren't the price of salvation; they are the purpose of it. They are the natural overflow of a heart transformed by His grace and love.

As we go forward, let’s keep this central thought from the passage in our hearts: Disciples of Jesus are called to be unique people with unique purpose on a unique path with unique partners and strengthened with unique power.

You are a masterpiece, loved unconditionally, and set on a path of purpose. Now, let’s live like it!