But God Who Is Rich In Mercy, For His Great Love Wherewith He Loved Us, Even When We Were Dead In Sins - Part 1883

"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.

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.

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. Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 5hat at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world ... but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace; and that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby; and came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." (Ephesians 2:1-22)

When we first came to Jesus and our hearts changed, we recognized that salvation came about as a consequence of the Lord our God, who created this world in the beginning, loving us that much (and more) to bring to mankind His gift of salvation. We often hear parents telling their children that they will always love them to the moon and back. Well, God did the reverse. He left Heaven because He loved His beloved creation enough to make peace with His people.

Thus, the angel saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:14)

This marked the beginning of the New Testament body of Christ church, wherein Peter, standing with the apostles on the day of Pentecost, explained that this same Jesus whom they had crucified is both Lord and Christ. Can you imagine how they must have felt? These just crucified the Lord of glory on a cross, and now, He is pouring out His Spirit on those who were there -- the Holy Ghost.

What was the message? The message that was preached not only to the Jews that day but also to the Gentiles? That is, that we should repent and be water baptized into the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins so that we can receive His gift -- the ultimate gift -- the Holy Ghost. And all this because we turned in our hearts and minds and souls, when the Master of the universe whispered our name.

As for Ephesians 2, there is so much to study and understand. So, as you look into these scriptures, let me leave you with one parting thought. From the book of Romans, wherein the promises of God -- the treasure that is in Him are everywhere. Nevertheless, "with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, "Whosoever believes on Him shall not be ashamed." For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him. For whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:10-13)

What is the Name of the Lord? JESUS, for He alone shall save His people from their sins ... God with us!" (Matthew 1:21-23)

This is why we follow the apostles' example and baptize those who are ready in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is why we remain steadfast in the apostolic doctrine. Stand in the offering plate.