"In Time Past Without Hope"

 

Ephesians 2:11-12 "Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision (the Jews) in the flesh made by hands; that at that time ye were without CHRIST, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without GOD in the world:"

     Today's text begins a new section explaining how the church, which is CHRIST's "body" (Ephesians 1:22-23 pictured above), was a "mystery" formerly undisclosed in the Old Testament dispensations. However, in New Testament revelation, the Apostle Paul explains that the church is a union involving Jew and Gentile, both standing on equal footing before the LORD. Today such an idea does not seem too difficult to understand or accept, but to the Jew in the first century, it was a radical concept - perhaps even repulsive. The Jew was proud of his Abrahamic lineage, and the thought of Gentiles approaching GOD in like manner was hard to swallow. Divine revelation and apostolic instruction were necessary to drive home this new and crucial point of doctrine (Ephesians 3:1-6).

     Under the Mosaic Law of the Old Testament, GOD's people, the children of Israel, were distinct from the Gentiles, who were outside the covenants given by GOD to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and HIS promises concerning the future Millennial Kingdom given to King David. The Jews had a marked advantage in approaching the one, true GOD, for they had the Law of Moses and the Levitical priestly system, which provided a way into the HOLY of Holies - into the very presence of Almighty GOD (Romans 9:4-5 pictured above). Without question, the Gentiles were at a disadvantage; these Gentile "dogs" (Matthew 7:6), the "Uncircumcision" (v.11), were without hope. The wall between the temple's sanctuary and the court of the Gentiles was a divine and unalterable reality (v.12). But, praise GOD, in tomorrow's devotional we shall see in the subsequent verses that the LORD JESUS CHRIST abolished this dividing wall in the present church age. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The EXCEEDING Riches of HIS Grace"

 

Ephesians 2:7-10 "That in the ages to come HE might show the exceeding riches of HIS grace in HIS kindness toward us through CHRIST JESUS. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of GOD: not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are HIS workmanship, created in CHRIST JESUS unto good works, which GOD hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

     What is GOD's purpose in providing the gift of salvation ? HE seeks to demonstrate HIS unfathomable grace by transforming a hell-based sinner into a saved believer in CHRIST, perfectly fitted for eternal glory. Now and throughout all eternity the redeemed will shine forth as trophies of HIS glory and grace (v.7). If we could justifiably claim that our redemption was due in any way to our own efforts, then we would have reason to boast; however, our LORD will have none of that (v.9 Pictured above) ! For all eternity, glorified sinners-made saints will be a tribute to HIS amazing grace.

     Salvation is a gift that is received by faith (v.8 pictured above). No one earns or works for a gift; that would be a contradiction in terms. The unworthy sinner who accepts GOD's gift by faith soon understands what "the exceeding riches of HIS grace in HIS kindness towards us through CHRIST JESUS" (v.7) really means. Salvation from start to finish - deliverance from the penalty of sin, from the reigning power of sin, and from the very presence of sin (yet future) - is the result of the grace of GOD at work in saving and keeping the believer. Again, how is this gift received ? It is appropriated through faith in the perfect finished work of CHRIST at the very moment we trust HIM as our personal SAVIOR. GOD's grace leaves no room for boasting but certainly plenty of room for praise ! We are HIS workmanship, regenerated and renewed by the HOLY SPIRIT; and, as believers, we are to conform to the image of HIS SON (v.10). We are not saved by good works of any kind, but it is GOD's will "that we should walk in them" after we are saved. Grace not only provides salvation, but it also instructs the believer to live righteously for his LORD (Titus 2:11-15 pictured above). DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Now We Are Made ALIVE !"

 

Ephesians 2:4-6 " But GOD, WHO is rich in mercy, for HIS great love wherewith HE loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened [made us alive] us together with CHRIST, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in CHRIST JESUS:"

     Upon believing the Gospel, we are "quickened . . . together with CHRIST" (v.5). We "were dead in trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 1:1), but by believing the Gospel, we are now made alive in CHRIST (John 1:12 pictured above; John 5:24). Joining a church, performing religious ceremonies such as water baptism or communion, or "turning over a new leaf" can never save us; rather, salvation is the miraculous, regenerating work of the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD whereby we are born anew in JESUS CHRIST and spiritually "baptized" into HIS body, the church (1st.Corinthians 12:13 pictured below).

     We could do nothing to alter our dead condition, but GOD could - and HE did: "But GOD . . ." (vv.4-6) ! Because of GOD's mercy and love for us while we were yet sinners, HE sent HIS SON to pay the sentence of eternal death due the sinner; HE raised HIM from the grave, and through the substitutionary, finished work of the crucified and risen SAVIOR, HE provided a perfect salvation for all who believe on HIM - this is the precious Gospel of salvation by grace alone through faith alone, in JESUS alone. We are to believe it, preach it, and contend against any who would attempt to pervert it. Those who say that salvation is not by grace through faith alone are preaching a false gospel (Galatians 2:16 pictured below).

     The LORD also has "raised us up together (v.6). CHRIST's resurrection power enables us to walk in newness of life as we "sit together in heavenly places in CHRIST JESUS." The glorified and ascended SAVIOR, WHO is now ministering at the right hand of the FATHER, enables those who are "in HIM" to serve GOD on a heavenly, spiritual plane. Before the new birth, we were hopelessly bound by the chains of sin and death; now, "in CHRIST JESUS," we are alive unto GOD and empowered for HIS service (v.5). DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"We Were Dead in Trespasses and Sins"

 

Ephesians 2:1-3 "And you hath HE quickened (made alive), who were dead in trespasses and sins: wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the Prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

     Every Christian has an inglorious past. Before trusting in JESUS CHRIST as their personal SAVIOR, we were totally alienated from GOD and from everything that is good and acceptable in HIS sight. It is rather strange, then, that some believers seem to pride themselves in their previous sinful exploits or revel in their former worldly pursuits and achievements. The Apostle Paul had the right perspective when he said concerning past deeds, "What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed ?" (Romans 6:21 pictured above). Prior to salvation, the child of GOD was on an equal plane with every other hell-bound sinner: "dead in trespasses and sins" (v.1). When we consider the sinful deeds of the past, we have nothing in which to find glory or to fondly recall. It is so sad when the believer allows the flesh to lure him back to "the course of this world."

     In our former unregenerate state, we were, in reality, the "walking dead" with respect to all things spiritual. We were helplessly subject to the course of this world (v.2a), the god of this world (v.2b), and or own sinful flesh (v.3). We could do nothing to ingratiate ourselves to GOD; no form of religious activity or altruistic endeavor could draw us closer to HIM. Nothing in us could please the LORD whatsoever ! We were, by our very nature, "the children of wrath" (v.3 cf. John 3:36 pictured above). As unsaved sinners, we "fulfill[ed] the desires of the flesh" (v.3). Yes, the lost can find a measure of gratification in pursuing the riches, pleasures, and accomplishments of the world - Satan will certainly see to that, for he "worketh in (enables, empowers) his own (v.2). But sadly, they are destined for GOD's wrath (v.3) - an eternity in the Lake of Fire. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.     www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"CHRIST Exalted as Head Over All"

 

Ephesians 1:20-23 "Which HE wrought in CHRIST, when HE raised HIM from the dead, and set HIM at HIS OWN right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: and hath put all things under HIS feet, and gave HIM to be the head over all things to the church, which is HIS body, the fulness of HIM that filleth all in all." 

     Today's Scripture text further expounds upon the SPIRIT-wrought power that GOD desires to work in us. Do we ever feel weak or even completely inept when it comes to living the kind of Christian life we know is the LORD's will for us ? Have weights and besetting sins habitually hindered us to the point that it seems we will never be what we thought, as younger Christians, we would one day become ? If so, we cannot blame GOD. It is not HIS fault that we have not fully yielded to HIS will and desire for us. But it is not too late to do something about it ! We have at our present disposal everything we need to make this day - and every succeeding day until the LORD takes us home - an experience in living the abundant life of fruitfulness and blessing. We yet have hope, despite how disappointing our past or present may be !

     The same divine power that characterized the life and ministry of CHRIST JESUS is now available to every child of GOD - to all who are "in CHRIST" (Ephesians 1:1). To "know HIM, and the power of HIS resurrection" is the believer's source of spiritual strength (Philippians 3:10 see pictured above). Notice, too, that today's text emphasizes JESUS as the "head over all things" (v.22), which necessarily includes the church corporately as well as each saint who comprises it. If we are to live correctly and powerfully according to GOD's will, we must be rightly related to, and subject to, GOD's prescribed order. We cannot be in rebellion against the HEAD (Colossians 1:18 pictured above) and successfully function in life as we should. As the body of CHRIST, we are to enter into the "fulness of HIM" (v.23) by bearing testimony to HIS presence within. Let us be faithful and obedient through HIS enabling grace. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Things GOD Wants Us to Know"

 

Ephesians 1:17-19 "That the GOD of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, the FATHER of glory, may give unto you the SPIRIT of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of HIM; the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of HIS calling, and what the riches of the glory of HIS inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of HIS power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of HIS mighty power.

     Only the HOLY SPIRIT can enlighten the believer with respect to spiritual truth (v.17 pictured above). GOD has certain important verities that HE wants HIS children to know, and the Apostle's prayer for the saints at Ephesus was that they would have a comprehension of those divine realities. We, too, need that same understanding today.

     FIRST, GOD wants us to know "what is the hope of HIS calling" (v.18). Everyone who has trusted CHRIST as their personal SAVIOR has a calling, and that objective is to be like our LORD while we are dwelling here on Earth (Ephesians 4:1 cf. Romans 8:28-29; 1st.Peter 1:14-16. Our expectation is that one day - at CHRIST's glorious appearing - we will be changed to be like HIM (1st.John3:2 pictured above). However, until that day, we must rely upon the HOLY SPIRIT's sanctifying ministry in our daily life - are we walking "worthy" of our Holy calling ?

     SECOND, the LORD wants us to know "the riches of the glory of HIS inheritance in the saints" (v.18). The believer's inheritance was one of the primary considerations in the first part of this chapter. Tremendous blessings are in store for those who are "in CHRIST JESUS" (v.1) - those who are joint-heirs with HIM. We will reign with our SAVIOR in the Millennial Kingdom and dwell eternally in the heavenly city (Revelation 20:6 see pictured above; Revelation 22:5 see pictured below).

     THIRD, GOD wants us to know "the exceeding greatness of HIS power to us-ward who believe" (v.19). We are without excuse if we are not living a victorious, fruitful Christian life. Everything GOD wants us to be in this life (and in the life to come) is accomplished through HIS unfailing strength. We do not have to rely upon our own feeble efforts. HIS power is "to us-ward" - it is appointed for us ! Rest in HIS promises. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.     www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Absolutely FREE !"

In this day and time, it's not often that someone offers an absolutely free gift. Yet here it is, the most wonderful and precious free gift especially for you ! It has already been paid for by someone else. Please read on to find out more . . . . . . .

This gift is ETERNAL 

LIFE in 

HEAVEN.

It is difficult for men to accept the thought of this being a free gift. Man wants to earn everlasting life.

The Holy Bible says: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of GOD: NOT of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9). The Bible says: ". . .the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD." (Romans 6:23).

A gift is not something we earn or work for. We receive gifts out of love. In fact, "GRACE" means: "Unmerited, or unearned favor." If we work for something, it is no longer a gift, but a wage.

G R A C E =

GOD's

Riches

At

CHRIST's 

Expense

The wages of sin is death.

"For the wages of sin is death. . ." (Romans 6:23a).

". . .and sin, when it is finished bringeth

forth death." (James 1:15b)

"In flaming fire taking vengeance

on them that know not GOD, and that

obey not the Gospel of our LORD JESUS CHRIST:"

(2nd.Thessalonians 1:8)

We deserve death in a Devil's Hell, but

GOD gives us Heaven through

HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST

The LORD JESUS CHRIST paid for this gift, in full, with HIS OWN dear shed blood on the cross of Calvary. ". . .without [the] shedding of blood is no remission." (Hebrews 9:22b). ". . .the blood of JESUS CHRIST HIS SON cleanseth us from all sin."  (1st.John 1:7b). "But GOD commendeth HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." (Romans 5:8).

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, . . .For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that HE was buried, and that HE rose again the third day according to the Scriptures:" (1st.Corinthians 15:1-2a,3-4).

Receive this absolutely free gift TODAY ! Come to GOD in humble prayer, admit your guilt as a sinner before an all-Holy GOD. "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD." (Romans 3:23). Turn to GOD in repentance and faith, asking GOD to save you through the LORD JESUS CHRIST. "But as many as received HIM, to them gave HE power to become the sons of GOD, even to them that believe on HIS name:" (John 1:12). "Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks (Gentiles), repentance toward GOD, and faith toward our LORD JESUS CHRIST." (Acts 20:21).

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD JESUS, and shalt believe in thine heart that GOD hath raised HIM from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. . .For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:9-10,13).

If you would be willing to turn to CHRIST in repentance and faith, pray this simple prayer of salvation:

LORD, I know that I am a sinner, and I believe YOU died and rose again for me. I am trusting YOU to forgive me. Come into my heart and save me. Help me to live for YOU always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.

"BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation." (2nd.Corinthians 6:2b). Come to JESUS today, before it is too late !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation