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
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