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Made alive in Christ
In Ephesians 2:1-10 NLT there is a section titled, “Made alive in Christ”. In this passage I relate to three things. The first is what my life was like before Christ, the second relates to my coming to faith in Christ and the last one is that change that has resulted.Bible Reading
Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world.[a] He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.
4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Message Points
As I reflected on this passage three ideas came to mind.
1. I was dead in my sins
Verses 1-2 tells us, “Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God”.
This is a description of me before Christ. I lived the world’s way and was only interested in myself. I wasn’t interested in God and unknowingly was following the devils ways. I was unhappy, alone, depressed and had no purpose.
2. I was given life in Christ
Verses 4-5 give us some good news. “But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)
God did not want to leave me that way. He reached out to me and drew me to Himself. Slowly over time I started to see what God had done for me. That Jesus came and died for me on the cross to give me life – both abundant and eternal. I gave my life to Christ in 1989 as a result.
3. I was given a new purpose
Verse 10 says, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago”.
God gave me new life in Him to do good things in His name. I learned that He created me a certain way, with certain gifts, to make a difference in this world at this time in history. I was not an accident. I was not here because of evolution, but I was purposed in God’s heart and mind. I had a new purpose and a new mission.
Knowing that my sins were forgiven, knowing that I was in relationship with God and that He had made me for His mission in the world made me alive in Christ. From that day in 1989 I have never been the same again.
Prayer to receive Christ
If you would like to commit your life to Christ and experience peace with God, forgiveness of you sin and a new mission in life, you can pray this prayer now.
Heavenly Father, right now I come to You and ask You to forgive my sin. I am sorry for all the wrong things I have done. I am sorry for ignoring You and following the ways of the world. I thank You that Jesus died on the cross to take the punishment for my sin. Right now I ask Jesus Christ to come into my heart and life. I ask Him to be my Lord, Saviour and King. I pray that You will guide me and lead me by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Help me to live my life the way You want me to live and do the good things you planned for me long ago. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
What next?
If you have just prayed this prayer, it is great news. You are now alive in Christ. I would encourage you to visit our “New Christians” page here.
By Dave Quinn
Founder of PASSION Australia
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