*Ephesians 2:1-22
Despite being dead in sin, believers are reconciled to God and made part of his dwelling place through faith in Christ.
- From Death to Life:
- Paul describes how believers were once spiritually dead due to their disobedience and sins.
- He emphasizes that they previously lived according to worldly ways and were under the influence of Satan, the spirit at work in those who are disobedient.
- Grace and Salvation:
- Despite their past, God, who is rich in mercy and love, made believers alive with Christ even when they were dead in sins—it is by grace that they have been saved.
- Believers are saved through faith, not by their own efforts or works, so that no one can boast.
- Created for Good Works:
- Believers are described as God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for them to do.
- Reconciliation between Jews and Gentiles:
- Paul explains that Christ has broken down the dividing wall of hostility between Jews and Gentiles.
- By His sacrifice, Christ abolished the law with its commands and regulations to create in Himself one new humanity, thus making peace.
- One in Christ:
- Both Jews and Gentiles have access to the Father by one Spirit through Christ.
- Christ’s purpose was to create one new unified group from the two, thereby promoting peace.
- The Household of God:
- Believers are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of His household.
- This household is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone.
- In Christ, the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.
- Believers are also being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit.