And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Ephesians 2:1 KJV
Chapter two of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians begins with a core principle of the Christian faith. Namely, repentant sinners who place faith in Christ pass from death to eternal life. Paul’s message stresses that those who live in sin deserve God’s wrath. Further, he reminds his readers that everyone has lived in sin. There is nothing we can do to erase the history of our trespasses and sins. Therefore, Paul teaches that salvation comes by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ.
Our trespasses and sins are the source of eternal suffering. Death is the direct result of the corruption of the flesh through sin. Death is God’s judgment for sin. As Paul wrote in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. WEB” Here, Paul teaches the same biblical truth. Our salvation is not deserved or earned. It is a gift from God.
Repent
Jesus commands his followers to repent from sin. As Christ said in Matthew 4:17, “Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. WEB” In preparing the way for Christ, John the Baptist said in John 3:36, “One who believes in the Son has eternal life, but one who disobeys the Son won’t see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. WEB” We remain under the wrath of God when we refuse the grace of his forgiveness in Christ.
Guilty of trespasses and sins, we all need the grace of God in forgiveness. Jesus is the only answer to this problem. He is the only Son of God sent to pay the price for human sins. As we read of Jesus in Acts 4:12, “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved! WEB”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the truth of your holy word. Thank you for your grace and mercy. Guide me by the power of your Holy Spirit. Help me to live according to your word and will. In Jesus name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: The Right Time
