'Eph 2:1-10

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Eph 2:1-3:21 GOD’S PLAN FOR THE CHURCH

Sinners saved by grace (Eph 2:1-10)

In their natural state, all people are spiritually dead because of sin. Nothing they do can bring them back to life, because no matter how much good they try to do, they are still sinners. This is true of Jews and Gentiles alike. In body and mind they are under the control of Satan, and consequently are rebellious against God (Eph 2:1-3).

Such rebels do not deserve God’s love, but God loves them nevertheless. God does for sinners what they cannot do themselves. He gives them new life, and he does this on the basis of Christ’s death and resurrection. By God’s grace, Christ not only died to bear the penalty of human sin, but he rose to glorious life in the heavenly world so that repentant sinners can have a glorious new life in him (Eph 2:4-7).

This salvation is entirely God’s work. Sinners cannot save themselves. Through faith they can only turn to God in their helplessness, and humbly accept the salvation that God offers. Good works cannot earn them salvation, but once they are saved their lives should be full of good works. When God gives people a new life, they must live a new life (Eph 2:8-10).