As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins…
(Ephesians 2:1)
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 2:4–5)
The condition of a person without God is utterly hopeless: they are dead. On their own, they have no way out and no resources sufficient to save themselves. Ephesians 2 begins by describing what we once were—dead in our sins and offenses. Even though we may be “naturally” alive, when we are far from the Lord Jesus, we are spiritually lost and dead.
But thank God the story doesn’t end there! The Lord chose to love us, forgive us, and give us life. He stepped into our lives and completely changed our story. We went from being “the walking dead” to being children raised to life with Christ. What an amazing miracle! Make the new life God has given you truly count!
Receive the Life of God:
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If you have not yet accepted Christ as your Savior, do so, so that you may receive the life God gives.
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Show gratitude. God gave you life together with Christ—you have every reason to give thanks.
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No one deserves it… Live humbly. We were saved by the love and grace (unearned favor) of our God. Nothing you do can contribute to your salvation.
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Live as someone who has been given the chance to live again with Jesus. Do everything for the glory of God.
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God’s Word teaches us how to live this new life. Read it, know it, and live according to its teachings.
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The life God has given you can be shared—and it deserves to be shared. Tell others about the abundant life you have received in Christ.
To Pray:
Lord, thank You so much for this new life. Thank You for taking the initiative and choosing to show compassion toward us in our condition. Without You there was no hope—I was lost, dead, and far from Your love. But by Your grace, in Christ I received the forgiveness and love I could not find anywhere else. I didn’t deserve it, but through faith I received new life in Jesus. Help me share that life with everyone around me. In the name of Jesus, amen.