Alive in Christ

Ephesians 2
Made Alive in Christ
1As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2in 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. 3All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast. 10For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Last week we began Easter and learned what Easter means. In Christian tradition we continue with the Easter message and the victorious purpose of the resurrection. We see here the great purposes and plan of God, culmination in the universal headship of Christ, beginning with the salvation of individuals.

I have always been interested in those pictures that appear on television and on magazines showing someone before and after. Not only does the After picture show a better looking individual-thinner, younger looking, whiter teeth, more hair- but the person in the “after” picture is almost always smiling and in a better light than in the “before” picture. I at times doubt these results, but this morning we are sharing similar pictures which are authentic. Paul paints a before and after picture of Christians. In this “after” picture, as well, one gets to see an individual in better lighting. There is no airbrushing or photo shopping, the picture is real. Forgive the continuous comparisons but if we were really to compare the picture being presented by the apostle Paul here, I believe that comparing it to one of those shows on the Health channel that show these folks that have been disfigured by trauma of illness and later are restored by plastic surgery may be a bit better comparison.



In this scripture Paul paints a picture of contrasts. It contains five explicit “formerly” and “now” or “Before” and “After.” It is important to note that some consider these texts as the clearest, most expressive, and most loved descriptions of salvation in the New Testament.

Here are some of the oppositions in this passage:
“ Living in transgressions vs. living in good works prepared by God;
“ This World vs. heavenly realms;
“ Death vs. Life;
“ Sinful nature vs. union with Christ;
“ Wrath vs. mercy and salvation;
“ Being under the ruler of darkness vs. sitting with Christ;
“ by nature vs. Grace;
“ works vs. faith.
Presented in these texts we find God by grace operating by faith giving life and moral ability to helpless sinners, saving them from condemnation and setting them on a path of righteous living.

A couple of years ago here in the U.S. anyone condemned to death would be referred to a “Dead Man walking.” Although they were physically alive, the sentenced of death bestowed upon them, made them “Dead” individuals. The same for us. Paul tries to paint this picture which seems somewhat harsh but spiritually true. He basically stated “and you were dead at one time.” Believe me, nothing makes one appreciate living more than having to experience a near death experience. Yet here we are not talking about a near death experience, but death itself.

The Apostle Paul also wants us to understand the dimensions of this Spiritual death.
“ It is Universal-It affects everyone. Jews and Gentiles
“ Walking in this death state is an active rebellion against God. –Even when one doesn’t think so, one becomes an active enemy of God.
“ Those who are dead become prisoners of the Evil one, Satan, “the ruler of the kingdom of the air.” 2 Corinthians 4:44The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
“ It makes those dead in their transgressions unable to do anything their condition (Romans 8:7 7the sinful mind[a] is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. 8Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.)
“ It invites the anger of God. Romans 2: 5But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.




I imagine right now that all of this may be bringing you down. The truth is that this is part of the complete gospel, but the story doesn’t end there. Paul paints a bleak picture of the human condition precisely to highlight and contrast with God’s grace and mercy and what happens when we encounter it.

Here is the kicker. When one is “DEAD” one cannot make decisions or choices. Dead people have no will. They’re Dead. It is an action by God that triggers life, not an action by man. You may have thought that it is you who brings you to Church. That it is you, who decided to accept Christ. But it is Christ who called us; we merely surrender to his irresistible Grace. God loves his people for no other reason than he chooses to do so.

Those individuals described as “Dead” in verse 1-3 have no means of getting out from the web of death and making themselves alive, or of breaking away from Satan’s stronghold, or averting God’s punishment. Only an act of God’s goodness driven by his love. No merit is given to any human action or works. It cannot be done. Your efforts nor your actions can win heaven for you nor can it bring you to life. Only the work of God can offer us the loving gift of life.

He made us alive…He raised us up… He seated us with Him…

The Easter story doesn’t end with Jesus. Jesus shared the story of his resurrection by raising us as well from the dead. Both Redeemer and redeemed now share the same story. The story of celebration is as much about the celebrated and those celebrating. Because he lives, we live and thus are new creatures in Christ Jesus.

Through Christ:
1. We have experienced resurrection. Living death has been turned into true life.
2. Our new lives are the very creation of God.
3. As we are exalted with Christ our Lord, we enjoy unparallel privilege, honor, and security. We are no longer held back by fear or vulnerability.
4. We experience God’s abundant kindness.

If this morning you cannot relate to living in Christ can I urge you to “Get a Life.” You may have been visiting Church for a while now but are you willing to say here I am God, I’m surrendering to you love and call for my life. I can no longer hold out. I am tired of being a walking dead, and today I say breath live into me and plug me into your work not mine.