The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

DEATH TO LIFE

There is a stark contrast between death and life. Ephesians 2:1 – 3 explores the terrible reality for unbelievers. Using such words as “transgressions,” “disobedient,” “cravings of our flesh” and “wrath,” these verses communicate that there is something dreadfully wrong with the identity and life experience of people who are not followers of Christ. What an appalling description! There is no worse condition than spiritual death.

But hope emerges from the ashes of death (vv. 4 – 5). Those who are in Christ are “God’s handiwork” (v. 10), meaning he has crafted something beautiful. But how could beauty come from desperation, ugliness and complete destruction? It seems unfathomable that life could come from death and despair. The apostle Paul communicated this stark contrast to teach believers where ultimate praise and glory belong. Christians have nothing to offer for their salvation — it comes about only by God’s rich mercy (v. 4), kindness (v. 7), grace (v. 8) and gift (v. 8).

A Christian has no grounds for boasting about their status as a child of God (v. 9): not their wisdom, effort to obey, morality . . . nothing! Every ounce of the believer’s being must therefore give absolute adoration to the Lord God, thus fulfilling the first great commandment (Mt 22:37). Closely flowing from this praise is the second great commandment (Mt 22:39). God’s handiwork of recreating Christians from death to life, according to Ephesians 2:10, is meant to result in good works toward one’s neighbors out of sheer gratitude to God.

Jesus, thank you for the mercy you have shown me. I want to be your handiwork, your poetry, your masterpiece. Amen.