What was your life like before coming to Christ? Did it reflect the ways of the world or God’s truth? When we follow Jesus, we’re transformed from spiritual death into new life. the power of God changes everything! . I want us to discuss the stark contrast in Ephesians 2:1-7 between an unbeliever’s condition and the new identity of believers in Christ.
The Bleak Description of Our Lives Before Christ
Ephesians 2:1-3 paints a sobering picture of all people before surrendering to Jesus:
“You were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.”
This “before Christ” image includes:
Spiritual Death
We’re not just sick or wounded – we’re dead inside without Jesus (v. 1). Our relationship with God is severed. No amount of religion or good deeds can revive a “dead” person.
Conforming to the World’s Ways
Lost people simply adopt the world’s sinful philosophies and behaviors (v. 2a). They lack godly discernment and conviction.
Enslaved to Satan
Unbelievers are unwittingly controlled by Satan, “the ruler of the kingdom of the air” (v. 2b). Though offensive to some, God’s Word is clear about this tragic reality.
Indulging Sinful Desires
“We all” lived to gratify sinful desires of the flesh (v.3a). With no holy Spirit, what else can a flesh-driven person do but sin?
Objects of God’s Wrath
Without Christ, all are “by nature deserving of wrath” (v. 3b) – eternal punishment and separation from God. Our just Creator cannot tolerate sin or excuse it merely because “I’m a good person.”
Thisbefore picture is bleak, but it’s the tragic truth about humankind’s natural state without Jesus. Left to ourselves, we’re totally depraved – incapable of true righteousness or pleasing God despite even our best efforts.
New Life and Identity in Christ Jesus
While verses 1-3 describe every person’s condition before salvation, verses 4-7 reveal the amazing transformation Jesus brings:
“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.”
What powerful changes take place in those who receive Jesus Christ!
From Death to Life
God “made us alive” spiritually even when we were “dead” in sin (v. 5a). What an incredible miracle! Every Christian has been resurrected to new life.
Justified by Grace
Our new life comes “by grace” through faith, not by our merits (v. 5b). Grace is receiving Christ’s righteousness rather than God’s wrath which we deserve.
Raised and Seated with Christ
Our position shifts from children of wrath to royalty with Christ! (v. 6) Though fully realized in eternity, this spiritual reality shapes how we live now.
Displaying God’s Grace
As believers, we showcase God’s graciousness to all (v. 7). Our redeemed lives testify about His power and generosity. What an honor!
Life Transformation through God’s Power, Not Ours
This contrast between verses 1-3 and 4-7 is no minor tweak. Being “in Christ” changes everything about our identity, desires, future, and power source. With God living inside us, our entire lives are revolutionized.
Many Christians don’t realize the full impact Christ’s salvation should have on their day-to-day lives. We sometimes continue living too much like our old, dead selves. But God calls us to something better:
- A new paradigm: We embrace whole new ways of thinking and living rather than blindly adopting the world’s mindset (Romans 12:2).
- New priorities: We seek God’s Kingdom above earthly pursuits like wealth, status, and pleasure (Matthew 6:33).
- New purpose: We devote our lives to honoring Christ and building His Kingdom rather than selfish ambitions (2 Corinthians 5:15).
- New power: We rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance and strength to obey Jesus, not our own willpower (Galatians 5:16).
If you’re frustrated at not seeing more transforming fruit in your walk with Christ, good news – you’re not stuck! Just remember:
- God accepting you had nothing to do with your merits.
- Living for Jesus now flows from His strength, not your own.
Your part is yielding continually to the leadings of the Holy Spirit as He remolds you into Christ’s image. Transformation is His work fueled by His resurrection power – the same might that raised Jesus (Ephesians 1:19-20).
So you can live out the radical “after” picture painted in Ephesians 2:4-7. Not because you’re perfect or have it all figured out. But because the Spirit is alive in you!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know the Holy Spirit lives in me?
Key signs include: desiring to obey God, feeling conviction over sin, praying to God sincerely, understanding the Bible, having concern for others’ salvation.
What if I still struggle with sinful habits?
Sanctification is a lifelong process. Confess your struggles honestly to God. Lean on the power of the Holy Spirit. Replace negative habits with godly disciplines. Seek counsel from the Fathers of faith, you can talk to your bishop or pastor for more understanding on how you can practically apply the word of God to your life. Through this, they can share with you their personal life experiences; the things they did which helped them and the ones which did not.
Why does God save us by grace rather than our good works?
If salvation depended on our merit, no one could be saved because even our righteousness is filthy before a holy God (Isaiah 64:6). Praise God for the miracle of grace!
How do I stop living like my unsaved old self?
Stay in God’s Word. Pray consistently. Invest time with other believers. Avoid worldly influences. Be patient with yourself, but keep seeking the Spirit’s help to put off the old self and walk in newness of life.
Don’t settle for life as a barely transformed believer. God calls you to radical change through His power at work within you! By His grace, you can live out your new identity in Christ.
