FROM DEATH TO ETERNAL LIFE

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. —Ephesians 2:1-5

             Brothers and sisters, fellow followers/disciples of Jesus, think about this— we “were dead in (our) transgressions and sins.”  We used to live in “the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.”  We were in “the dominion of darkness” in which “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers” (II Corinthians 4:4) and who are in the “trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will” (II Timothy 2:26).  That’s where we were, “gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts.”  And, “Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.”  That is where we were and when we were there, we through we were doing right and living like we were supposed to be living.

             Then this happened— “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”  You and I deserved God’s wrath.  We “were God’s enemies” (Romans 5:10).  And yet, “while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!”  Truly, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

             Brothers and sisters, fellow followers/disciples of Jesus, today let us reflect on what our Lord God Almighty has done for us.  Yes, Dear Father, may we consider what You have done and rejoice with much thanksgiving by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus.  Thank You for saving me from judgment to eternal life with Jesus and all who love Him!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t58zpfINIto&list=RDt58zpfINIto&start_radio=1