The Book of Ephesians was written to the Christians in the church of Ephesus. In chapter 2, Paul reviewed the kind of lives these people lived before they found Jesus. As the chapter progresses, He explained how receiving salvation in the Lord was made easy.
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Ephesians 2:8
After Adam and Eve disobeyed God they caused sin to enter into the human race. No one since has naturally gravitated to God except for Jesus. Listen to how Paul worded what a person’s state is before they receive the Lord.
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. Ephesians 2:1-2
He didn’t candy-coat any of the words as he continued with this thought. It doesn’t matter if a person was considered a model citizen or the worst society has developed. Paul made the next statement, all-inclusive.
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. Ephesians 2:3
Receiving Salvation in the Lord
Fortunately, those few verses we just read aren’t the end of the story. The very God whom we have sinned against has made a way out for us.
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!) Ephesians 2:4-5
These two verses combine the mercy of God with His grace, allowing us to be the benefactors. He doesn’t consider our merits or blame us for our faults. God’s offer of Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection from the grave is available to everyone.The problem is not everyone is willing to just accept it. Many people feel that they have to do something to obtain God’s salvation. Our verse for today says the way we are saved is by His grace. But that can only happen “when you believe.”
The best part though is, it is a gift from God. What do you do with a gift? You accept it or receive it. With this gift according to Romans 6, we are freed from the power of sin and given life for all eternity.
But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:22-23
Take the Narrow Way
Because this gospel message is so simple, people try to make it complex. That is one reason why the road to heaven is narrow and few people walk it. They think it is way too easy and guess what? It is just that – easy!
Lord, by your Holy Spirit, reveal Jesus to everyone who reads this devotion. For those who already know you, give them the boldness to share this simple message with someone today.
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