Ephesians 2:1-10

From Death to Life

2 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins ² in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler who exercises authority over the lower heavens, the spirit now working in the disobedient. ³ We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also. ⁴ But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us, ⁵ made us alive with the Messiah even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! ⁶ Together with Christ Jesus He also raised us up and seated us in the heavens, ⁷ so that in the coming ages He might display the immeasurable riches of His grace through His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. ⁸ For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— ⁹ not from works, so that no one can boast. ¹⁰ For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.

There are so many awesome principles, promises, and proclamations in this passage. For starters, “You are saved by grace!” I cannot tell you how peaceful that promise resounds in the ears of a perfectionist like me. In life, my greatest peace comes when I know I have reached the “end of me.” Sadly, I think I’m playing the spiritual control game very well – only to recognize too late that God is in control the entire time; therefore, I am only battling myself through the deception of the evil one. God simple says, “Let go my child. It is a lot easier on my side!” He’s always right!

The greatest lesson I continue to learn in reading God’s word is the overt evidence of spiritual war. We clearly read in the beginning of this passage that there is a ruler who exercises authority over the lower heavens, which is the same spirit working in the disobedient. This is the same ruler who entices us to walk in the ways of the world and not of Christ. But — praise God — Jesus took our place even while we were dead in sin.

We should, therefore, spend our time on this earth worshiping the one true King and sharing His love to the ends of the world. In fact, this passage says that we were created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

“We are His creation…” [pause] – Naturally, the ruler of this earthly world would do everything in his power to destroy God’s handiwork. In fact, he prowls around with this as his main goal – to destroy God’s people, deceiving us to follow the ways of the world. I am thankful that I submit to God’s free gift of grace. There is absolutely nothing I can do to “make-up” for being a sinner. God only demands acceptance by faith. The ruler of this world has lost! Yet, he will continue to deceive and battle God’s people. Do not allow the evil one to deceive you into legalism and traditionalism.

This passage, along with many others, clearly shows the invisible war. Dear friends, I pray that God unveils your eyes to the spiritual battles that compete for your devotion. As believers, we are no longer slaves to sin. We are alive in Christ! Are you alive in Christ? What do you need to release today?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta