God's Amazing Grace: But Now I Am Alive

Outline:

1)      God Regenerates (vv. 4–5)

2)      God Raises (v. 6)

3)      God Repositions (vv. 6)

Explanation:

Ephesians 2:4–7 falls within Paul’s doctrinal section of his Epistle whereby he explains who believers are in Christ and within His church (Chapters 1–3). He begins in chapter 1 by explaining the gracious work of God, which began before He founded the earth (cf. Eph 1:4) and then moves into chapter 2 whereby he explains the gracious work of God in regenerating individuals for His glory—as a demonstration of His grace (cf. Eph 2:7). He first begins by reminding them who they were apart from Christ—before God graciously saved them (cf. Eph 2:1–3); and then he explains who they are in Christ—because of God’s grace towards them in Christ (cf. Eph 2:4–7), the latter will be the focus of this sermon.

This passage is contrasted with Ephesians 2:1–3 where Paul explained who believers were apart from Christ—he describes the believer’s former condition. He explains believer’s use to be dead in the trespasses and sins in which they once walk; they use to follow the world, the Devil and their own sinful passions; and thus, were under the just wrath of God which everyone deserves.

But God who is rich in mercy, loves believers with a great love and saves them by His grace and immeasurable power. God’s power in regeneration (cf. Eph 2:4–7) is the same power which raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the right hand of the Father in the heavenly places (cf. Eph 1:19–23). Three gracious works of God in salvation: He regenerates, making them alive together with Christ, raises them up with Him and seats them with Him in the heavenly places as a demonstration of His immeasurable grace. The ultimate purpose of our salvation is His glory.