The Mercy and Grace of God – Ephesians 2:1-9
Mercy and Grace Defined
Mercy = compassion and leniency (not getting what we deserve)
Grace = benevolence or unmerited favour (giving us what we do not deserve)
Our Past Condition
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.
Ephesians 2:1-3
- 3 things – “As for you, you were…”
- Dead
- Following the world
- Deserving wrath
By nature we think we are pretty good, not needing Mercy and Grace.
Our present salvation in God
4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:4-9
- 3 benefits – “But … God … “
- Made us alive
- United us with Christ – what lavish kindness!
- Saved us by grace through faith, and not by works.
Jesus said …
28 ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28
There are no STRONG Christians.
