Ephesians 2:4-10, We have studied the first three verses of Ephesians chapter two, “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others”. These three verses deal with sins work against us, or what we are left alone in our human nature.
Ephesians chapter two verse four begins with a mighty contrast, “But God”. Set against the wretchedness of man and his inability to recover himself is announced the glorious love of God to the elect. “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus” (Eph 2:4-7). These verses declare God’s work for us or what we are in Christ.
The expressions “quickened us together with Christ” (vs 5), “raised up together with Christ” (vs 6a), and “made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (vs 6b), speak of the elect having a “legal union” with Christ. In the court of God’s justice all that Christ did is viewed as if the elect had done it. The individuals Jesus represented were chosen “in him before the foundation of the world” (Eph 1:4); they are accepted by God because they are “in the beloved” (Eph 1:6); and it is in Jesus they have “redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Eph 1:7). All that Jesus Christ accomplished was accomplished in their place and stead. Christ in the flesh represented all the elect in a substitutionary vicarious work.
Legally speaking, when Christ was crucified it is the same as if they had been crucified, “I am crucified with Christ” (Gal 2:20a); when he died it is the same as if they had died, “Now if we be dead with Christ” (Ro 6:8); when Christ arose from the dead (was quickened, i.e. made alive) it is the same as if they had been made alive “quickened together with him” (Col 2:13); and when Christ ascended to heaven it is the same as if they had assumed their position in heaven “made us sit together in heavenly places” (Eph 2:6b).
This is portrayed in Hebrews seven verse twenty-two where Jesus Christ is called the surety of God’s covenant people. This term indicates one who has assumed responsibility for the welfare of another. The point here is that Jesus Christ did not just become collateral for the elect, he actually took their place. Our blessed redeemer was made a curse for us (Gal 3:13); obtained redemption for us (Heb 9:12); and he was raised for us (Ro 4:25). He “was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isa 53:5-6). In a true sense a Christian may answer when asked about the time of his salvation, “I was saved two thousand |
years ago when Christ finished the work of redemption upon the cross”.
In the ages to come God will continue to show “the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus” (Eph 2:7). Part of this exceedingly rich and glorious grace is that God does a work in us. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Eph 2:8-10). Sin had a work against us, Christ accomplished a work for us, and the Holy Spirit does a work in us (new birth).
All loved by God before time were predestinated to be conformed to the image of the Lord Jesus. All loved are called, all called are justified, and all justified are glorified (Ro 8:28-32). God chose his people to be saved; at the cross he accomplished their salvation, and in the new birth he applies salvation. In eternity past the elect were saved by God’s promise, at the cross they were saved by payment, and in the new birth they are saved in their person. Being a new creature in Christ (II Cor 5:17) is not of works (Eph 2:8), by works (Titus 3:5), or according to the works (II Tim 1:9) of any man, it is the direct gift of God. “You hath HE quickened” (Eph 2:1). Faith is a product of the new birth; it is not the procurer of the new birth (Gal 5:22). Salvation is of the Lord from start to finish. All the saved will be praising God in eternity for what he has done for them.
Burdened sinner, do you see this? The gospel convicting with authority that salvation is alone through Christ is evidence you are his (I Thess 1:4-5). The gospel brings life and immortality to light (II Tim 1:10). |
