Ephesians 2:4 “But God”

As I have mentioned to you earlier in these studies, Ephesians 2 is one of the best known and most often used passages in all of the Bible.

And, that is true for good reasons.

The first two words of verse 4, “But God” are a perfect picture of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Mankind is a mess, a fallen and broken mess; but God, will not allow that to be the end of the story.

In these verses, I hope to point out to you God’s intention for mankind from HIS decree of creation all the way to the cross of Christ.

In ways that are still difficult for me to understand, God allowed mankind’s insurrection against HIM to work against HIS original plan for us.

But God did not leave us there. God intervened in the life of HIS people to end our insurrection and bring us in humble repentance and faith to become followers of HIS Only Begotten Son.

“All have sinned…” But God!

“There is none righteous…” But God!

“The wages of sin is death…” But God!

No one; no one; absolutely no one deserves the forgiveness of God and a home in Heaven… But God!

Little wonder this passage is so well-known and so loved.

Paul begins this passage with a clear presentation of our problem.

Mankind is spiritually dead; walking according to the leading of the godless world; following the pathway of the Devil; carrying out the desires of our flesh and our mind; and, because of this we literally are “children of wrath.”

News never gets any worse than that!

BUT then… Paul gives us God’s solution to our problem.

Jesus comes to earth and dies in our place!

Paul goes on to tell us why and how God brought this to pass.

Paul closes the passage with a sober reminder that serves as a profound warning…

God’s solution comes as a gift from God. We are saved by grace and not by works. The very faith itself (which we must have to be saved) is a gift of God.

Mankind has tried to figure out something to “do” to appease God ever since Adam and Eve made fig leaf aprons to cover up their nakedness in the garden.

There is much to get from these verses. Pray that the LORD will allow me to understand what we need and how to best present it this coming LORD’s Day.

As always… “I hope to see you Sunday with your Bible in your hand, a smile on your face, and your family and friends by your side!”