| A few thoughts on Ephesians 2v1-10 | WIDTH=10%>A. Wood |
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This is a slightly expanded version of the message I gave on Sunday morning after the breaking of bread at Gloucester.
Over the last couple of days I have been thinking about these verses and I want to share with you a few thoughts I've had. In these verses we have things that are previous, things that are present, things that are in prospect and things that practical.
Things that are previous
In the first few verses we see where we have come from. A few of us were sharing a testimonies last night one with another and we were able to look back and see what God has saved us from. We had to confess there was nothing different about us compared to anyone else around us. But then we have that lovely phrase "But God". I'm sure it would be an interesting study to look at the various "But God"'s in the Bible.
Things that are present
The word quickened is an interesting word, I wasn't sure what it meant so I had to ask a friend. He assured me it means to be given a new life, and isn't that what we have. We have been saved from the world and now have a new life in Christ. not only that but we have also been made to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
Things that are in prospect
That brings us on to what is to come. Our place in Heaven for all eternity. Its amazing to consider that we will spend all eternity with Christ and why? So that God might show us "exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." As if God hasn't already showed us enough kindness, He wants to show us even more.
Things that are practical
But the Paul suddenly brings us back down to earth. In the context verses 8 and 9 seem a bit strange. Why after talking about what is to come, does Paul suddenly talk about how we are saved? Well He wants to make it absolutely clear that we are not saved by any works of our own it is only by what Christ has done for us. But having said that, Paul then goes on to tell us that because we are saved, we should do good works. There are many works that we as Christians can be doing, they may be supporting our fellow believers, encouraging them in the things of God, it may be telling others about how God has saved us, whether from the platform or just one to one with our family and friends and work/school colleagues. God has done a great work in each one of our lives, are we willing to continue to let Him work in our lives and serve Him where we are, as He would have us to do?
