"One WORD"

 

Ephesians 2:1-9 " And you hath HE quickened, 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.

But GOD, WHO is rich in mercy, for HIS great love wherewith HE loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with CHRIST, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together in heavenly places in CHRIST JESUS: 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."

     In studying the Scriptures, it is always a delight to come across seemingly insignificant words that ultimately change the course of the narrative and add a whole new layer of meaning to the passage. A simple word like "But" ought to capture our attention as we read GOD's WORD. One key passage of Scripture -- Ephesians 2:1-6 -- quickly comes to mind because it highlights the importance of this little word.

     Ephesians 2 begins with Paul's description of the spiritual condition of the believers at Ephesus before they were saved: dead in trespasses and sins, walking according to the present age and to the prince of the power of the air (the spirit working in the children of disobedience), with their manner of life in the lust of their old nature, who were by nature the children of wrath just like those around them. Please notice, however, that all of this changed at verse four with these WORDs: "But GOD. . ." Our redemption from sin hangs on the word "but." The Apostle Paul explains: "But GOD, WHO is rich in mercy, for HIS great love wherewith HE loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened 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: 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" (vv.4-9). Think of it: from death to life, from a walk of wickedness to a life of holiness. What looked so desperately dark is now suffused with glorious light -- in CHRIST ! JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

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