[Together as a She Reads Truth community, we are reading through Ephesians. Sign up for the reading plan here!]
We were – each one of us – headed in one direction. Paul describes the natural state of every human being, Jew or Gentile, slave or free: We were “children of wrath” (v. 3), in active rebellion against God. We were subject to the evil rule of Satan, the “prince of power” (v. 2), completely incapable of changing our own state; in rebellion against God and exposed to His just anger.
Like I said: hopeless, miserable, desperate.
This is where we sat, each one of us, dead in our trespasses and sins, without hope of saving ourselves. Exposed to (and deserving of) the wrath of a holy God.
And two words make all of that darkness – all of that hopelessness – go away.
“But God”
The One Who had the power – and every reason – to destroy us, loved us with an immeasurable, unfathomable, totally incomprehensible love. A “great love”, according to verse 4.
And that love was so great, He not only took us from death to life, He “raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places” (v. 6). He made us “together with Christ” (v. 5), his perfect Son, free from the control of Satan.
Paul even tells us why: so that in the coming ages, he can show us even more grace and kindness. So that the redeemed can be like their Redeemer: made alive, raised up, and seated with Him.
Dear sisters, daughters of the King, write this on your hearts. Say it out loud – right now, where you are seated:
“For by grace I have been saved through faith. And this is not my own doing; it is the gift of God.” (v. 8)
And our response to this remarkable, holy, “But God” twist in the story? A life of obedience. Good works will spring out of us, not as a means of deserving the gift we’ve already received, but as a response to his “great love”.
This is a lovely and holy thing, however in my experience it takes more than just receiving His grace. I’ve had to learn how to live in His will and to let Him work in me to become the woman I am becoming. Yes, grace is a free gift from God but without working on myself thru that grace then it doesn’t mean anything; it becomes self serving lip service. Just my opinion.
I am so in love with the word of God! I love Paul! Such an inspiration to continue to walk with God. Some people are afraid to hear the truth; such as we are all headed for destruction if not for the grace of God. Knowing the truth makes me a stronger believer. I know where I could be, I know where I should be and because of that I know that God loves me. Thank you Lord for saving my soul #Amen
It’s amazing how a “but God” experience can transform our lives and place us in a undeserved position as a recipient of Grace, while those things which we fail to release in the “But God” experience can cause your life to dissimulate your true royal lineage and send you into a state of hopelessness and exposure. By choosing to follow God you magnify mercy and glorify grace , you are the manifestation of the “But God” experience!!! #ohgrace #butGod
Blown away this morning as I am reminded of His amazing love for us. Thank you, Father, for your unfailing love and the gift of eternal life!