INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. Man’s Condition before His Call by Grace
2. Man’s Condition during His Call into Grace
3. Man’s Condition after His Call to Grace
Remarks.
1. This lesson is presented to answer the question is salvation by grace through the faith; - or by grace ONLY? Or is the recipient of this grace required to exercise true faith and obedience to obtain the grace of God? I will not be discussing the preparatory work of the Godhead in man’s redemption before the foundation of the world. This lesson will deals entirely with man’s response to the gift of God’s grace and mercy at the time of his call through the gospel. This lesson will establish the position, the point in time, and the Person who grants “salvation by grace” to the believer at the moment of conversion. This will be a two part lesson; first two points this morning, and the last point tonight. How many plan to be here tonight? Thank God for you and your family’s interest in this lesson on grace.
2. First, in our lesson text Paul addresses man’s condition before his call by grace. He describes him as “being dead in trespasses and sins,” Ephesians 2:1. Man, being unable to save himself and unworthy of the grace of God. Man, being incapable of obtaining God’s favor through any human works of goodness or righteousness. Notice Paul: “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:…even as others,” Ephesians 2:1-3. Surely, we were in a pitiful state: “O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” See Romans 7:24.
3. Secondly, Paul addresses man’s condition during his call into grace. He affirms that at that time when we, “were dead in trespasses and sins” we were, “united with Christ; quickened or made alive, and saved by grace.” Notice: “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),” Ephesians 2:4-5. The Apostle Paul indicates here and in other writings that the sinner is “united with Christ; quickened or made alive; and then saved by grace.” The question for us today is, where and when did this occur? And, does this imply we are saved by grace only? Or, does the sinner’s acts of faith and obedience – allow him to have “access by faith into this grace?” See Romans 5:1-2. Paul again on our condition: “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses,” Colossians 2:13. Here, Paul affirms that God has forgiveness all trespasses and sins when we were “quickened together with him (Christ).”
4. Finally, the beloved Apostle Paul states man’s condition after his call to grace. Notice, speaking now of our redeemed state: “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 show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus,” Ephesians 2:6-7. Then, he affirms again that “by grace ye are saved.” Notice: “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,” Ephesians 2:8-9. Then, finally, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them,” Ephesians 2:10. Paul affirms that God’s grace is granted through faith. Not by belief or faith only; but through the “system of religious (gospel) truth itself;” as opposed to the system of works through the law (Strong’s Definitions of G4102). We are saved “by grace through the faith.” It is not, “by grace are ye saved” through faith ONLY! It is not, through our righteousness, but rather: “it is the gift of God.” The preaching of “Jesus Christ, according to the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began…But now…made known to all nations for the obedience of faith,” Romans 16:25-26. With this introduction, let’s consider our first point: “man’s condition before his call by grace.”
BODY OF LESSON
I MAN’S CONDITION BEFORE HIS CALL BY GRACE
A. Once dead, now alive with Christ, Ephesians 2:1-10. Before conversion, we were dead through trespasses and sins, Ephesians 2:1-3. Notice: “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses,” Colossians 2:13. Is it possible for one to be dead and still walk in the world? Paul states the widow who lives in pleasures: “Is dead while she liveth,” 1 Timothy 5:6. Illustrate: The forbidden fruit, Genesis 3:17.
1. Ye were sinful yourselves, Ephesians 2:2. Ye once:
a. Walked according to the course of this world.
b. Walked according to the Devil. Who is:
1) The prince of the power of the air.
2) The prince of the spirit that now works in children of disobedience.
c. Paul reminds us, that we once were like all others: “For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving diver’s lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life,” Titus 3:3-7. We once walked even as other Gentiles, Ephesians 4:17-19.
2. Among whom also we all had our conversation (manner of life and behavior) in times past, Ephesians 2:3a.
a. In the lusts of the flesh.
b. Fulfilling the desires of the flesh and mind.
c. And were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
3. We too were liable to suffer God's wrath because of sin, Ephesians 2:3. Hear David: “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word,” Psalms 119:9.
B. But God: “Who is rich in mercy [Gr: eloes] for his great love [Gr: agape], wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, by (grace ye are saved);” Ephesians 2:4-5. For He has granted us:
1. Mercy is Gr: eloes, “A special and immediate regard to the misery which is the consequence of sin," Luke 1:50, Ephesians 2:4. God through His love have showered His “mercy” upon us; willingly, even without our human merit or favor, “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved,” Ephesians 1:5-6. Not only has He granted mercy; but He has also given unto us in our lost conditions – His grace! God be thanks for his infinite mercy and grace, through Christ Jesus our Lord!
2. Grace is Gr: charis, which is God’s free grace and gift displayed in the forgiveness of sins as extended to all in their guilt. God’s “mercy (Gr: eloes) is extended for the alleviation of the consequences of sin.” Questions:
a. When did He do this? When, we were “dead in trespasses and sins,” Ephesians 2:1; Ephesians 2:5.
b. How did He do this? He “hath quickened us.” Made us alive with Christ!
c. Where did He do this? While, “we were together with Christ.”
d. Why did He do this? “For His great love wherewith He loved us.”
C. Great love, is Gr: agapa, “A word not found in classical Greek, but its only meaning is benevolent or love. This benevolence, however, is not shown by doing what the person who is loved desires; but what the one who loves deems necessary for the one loved; (e.g., “for God so loved...he gave”), John 3:16. He gave not what we wanted; but what we needed, namely his Son who purchase “forgiveness of sins for all mankind,” 1 John 3:16; 1 John 4:9-10; 1 John 2:1-2.
1. This love was given when we were “dead in our trespasses and sins,” Ephesians 2:1-2.
2. When we were sinners: “God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8; Galatians 2:20-21; and 2 Corinthians 5:14-17.
3. All have sinned and are in need of God’s grace and mercy, Romans 3:23. Note also: “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned,” Romans 5:12. “There is none righteous, no not one: There is none that doeth good, no, not one,” Romans 3:10-12.
a. Notice Solomon: “Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?” Proverbs 20:9.
b. Consider Job: “What is man, that he should be clean? And he which is born of a woman, that he should be righteous?” See Job 15:4. Hear Job again: “How then can man be justified with God? Or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?” See Job 25:4.
c. Now David: “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me,” Psalms 51:5. Surely, David is not saying, children are born little devils? Hear him further on this thought: “The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies,” Psalms 58:3. Notice: “Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward,” Psalms 127:3. See also Psalms 22:10; Psalms 71:6; and Jeremiah 1:4-5.
d. Finally, Jeremiah: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” See Jeremiah 17:9. For all of our sins and transgression – Illustrate: “sin pays a low wage!”
4. Penalty for sin. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23. Sin “separate us from God,” Isaiah 59:1-2. Illustrate: The Hands of God!
D. Spiritual blessing in Christ. Paul writes: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love;…In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;…In whom also we have obtained an inheritance;…In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise. Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory,” Ephesians 1:3-14. Notice:
1. First, Paul says: “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of their salvation.” Paul speaking to the elders of Ephesus: “That I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God,” Acts 20:24. Illustrate: The ministry of Paul, 1 Timothy 1:12-15. Some in the audience might recall, we discussed this text in length; in our lesson on the “Conversion of Saul of Tarsus.”
2. Further, he says: “In whom also after that they believed, they were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.” Let me quickly review Paul’s questions to the believers in Ephesus. Illustrate: Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? See Acts 19:1-7.
3. Finally, the gospel of Christ must be heard, believed and obeyed, Romans 10:16-18.
E. Obedience to the faith. The gospel of Christ is preached “for the obedience of faith.” Note Paul’s messages to the Romans:
1. First, he writes: “Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, in His name;...First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world,” Romans 1:3-7.
2. Further, he pens: “Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen,” Romans 16:25-27. Illustrate: The Revelation of the Mystery, Ephesians 3:1-7; Galatians 1:10-12.
3. Finally, it then serves, that if the gospel “of their salvation” was heard and believed (by the Ephesians); and this is the gospel that was preached by Paul to all nations for the obedience of faith; then, the “obedience to the faith or the gospel;” is necessary for one to be “saved by grace through faith,” Ephesians 2:8-9. Notice, also Romans 1:16.
4. Conclusion: The gospel must be heard, believed and obeyed from the heart – not in the heart as some would assert, Romans 10:9-10. Knowing clearly our unsaved state, let’s note “man’s condition during his call into grace.” Say, Amen!
II MAN’S CONDITION DURING HIS CALL INTO GRACE
A. Called into grace. Paul now discusses what occurred when we are called into this grace. Remember it was Paul who said: “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace,” Galatians 1:15. In our call into grace, we had our union with Christ; we were “quicken” or “made alive.” This all occurred while we were yet “dead in our trespasses and sins;” it was then, “we were quickened with Christ.” The Apostle states also it was at this time: “by grace ye are saved.” This “quickening” happen when “we were with Christ,” while “dead in trespasses and sins.” How could any of this be possible? Notice:
1. First, Paul describes it “by grace ye are saved” through faith. It is through faith also we are “justified” and have “access into this grace,” Romans 5:1-2. I will deal with this more thoroughly in our final point. But for now, let’s consider the spiritual conditions we were in “during our call into grace.”
2. Further, he affirms that we were “united with Christ” while we were “dead in trespasses and sins.” Before proceeding, I want to ask this question: “does your faith allow you to be ‘with Christ’ in your sins?” I’ll wait someone’s response! To the Pharisee this is not possible. However, because of grace it is necessary! We will see this as the lesson unfolds.
3. Next, these verses establishes the position, the point in time and the Person who “saves the sinner by grace” at the moment of his/her “union with Christ” and “quickening” by God.
4. Finally, he states while we were “dead in trespasses and sins,” we were “with Christ.” But later, he affirms we are now, “in Christ,” Ephesians 2:10. Again: Is it possible to be “with Christ” while still in our “trespasses and sin?” I hope you stay with me in this lesson – “it will get good in just a minutes.”
B. Made alive. Paul mentions while we were with Christ we are “quickened,” Gr: syzôopoiéô (made alive). Which means: “to reanimate conjointly with (figuratively):—quicken together with,” Ephesians 2:5. Let’s continue further:
1. First, he writes: “Even when we were dead in sins, (God) hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved),” Ephesians 2:5. We are made alive - through the “death of our trespasses and sins,” Ephesians 2:1; Ephesians 2:5. This is what Paul meant: “I am crucified with Christ,” Galatians 2:20-21.
2. Further, to the Colossian’s he pens: “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses,” Colossians 2:13.
3. Jesus said: “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life,” John 6:63. Life is imparted to the believer upon his/her union with Christ. Consider: “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son,” 1 John 5:11.
4. Finally, Paul asserts after the quickening of the believer; “by grace ye are saved.” Or the believer now has “access by faith into the grace of God.” As we continuing a little further with this thought in mind. Notice the apostle:
a. “For by grace ye are saved through faith; if is the gift of God; not of works lest any man should boast,” Ephesians 2:8-9.
b. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God,” Romans 5:1-2. This act of obedience has granted the believer two blessing!
C. The two blessings. There are two blessings following our “being made alive” and “being saved by grace,” Ephesians 2:5. Two things occurred. They are:
1. We were “raised up together with Him,” and
2. We were “made to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus,” Ephesians 2:6.
3. These we will speak to these later in the lesson; in our last point.
4. Hear Peter: “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust,” 2 Peter 1:3-4.
5. So make sure you are here to hear about these precious blessings.
D. Paul’s similar teaching on this point. What is unclear up to this point, is what the apostle Paul is referring too at this time? One must ask: “where was the sinner when he was ‘together’ or ‘united’ with Christ?” Where was the sinner, when he was “quickened” and “saved by grace?” Please hear me clearly:
1. First, many noted and learned scholars will not acknowledge as I, that – the sinner is “made alive” or forgiven of sins; “saved by grace”; or justified by faith in Christ Jesus, ONCE “united with Christ.”
2. Further, up until this point, Paul has discussed the blessing of this union. Paul has not, nor will he later reveal in our text, what is this act of obedience? And there was a clear reason why he did not! These Ephesians knew for themselves what the apostle refers too in this Letter. They were recipients of this grace; and willing participants in this act of obedience, Acts 19:1-7; Acts 20:21.
3. Next, it stands to reason that the place of this act is as important, as the Person in whom the sinner is being united! Notice Paul:
a. To Timothy: “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:…For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day,” 2 Timothy 1:8-12.
b. To Timothy again: “Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory,” 2 Timothy 2:10. In these verses Paul enlightens us to where our salvation resides. It is in Christ.
4. Paul’s many references in the Letter to “being in Christ.” Notice church:
a. “All spiritual blessings in heavenly places are IN CHRIST,” Ephesians 1:3.
b. “IN WHOM we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace,” Ephesians 1:7. Redemption is in Christ.
c. “IN WHOM also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will,” Ephesians 1:11. Our inheritance is in Christ.
d. “IN WHOM ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise,” Ephesians 1:13. Our trust is in Christ; and our seal is by the Holy Spirit of promise.
5. The question that stands before us is this: “how does one get IN CHRIST?” We know regarding the manifold blessings that are in Christ. But what is that act of obedience that puts one IN CHRIST?
E. In Christ. To the devout reader of the word of God, this is an elementary question. But to many, who have not studied the Scriptures; but have immersed themselves in the writings of men, and their own theology; the answer escapes them. To these Jesus admonishes: “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God,” Matthew 22:29. To obtain an answer to this question, we must consider others text in the Scriptures that use the same analogies as we have seen in the Book of Ephesians. Notice these similar phrases, church beloved in the Lord:
a. First, we were “dead in trespasses and sins”; you “being dead in your sins”; and “shall we continue in sin,” Ephesians 2:1; Ephesians 2:5; Colossians 2:13; Romans 6:1-2.
b. Further, He hath “quickened us together with Christ”; “you…hath He quickened together with Him”; and “we shall also live with Him,” Ephesians 2:5; Colossians 2:13; Romans 6:5-8.
c. Next, “by grace are ye saved”; “having forgiven you all trespasses”; and that “the body of sin might be destroyed,” Ephesians 2:5; Colossians 2:13; Romans 6:6.
d. Additionally, we were “together with Christ”; “buried with Him”; “we are buried with Him”; and “if we…are planted together in the likeness of His death,” Ephesians 2:5; Colossians 2:12; Romans 6:3-4.
e. Finally, and hath “raised us up together”; “ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God”; and “we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection,” Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 2:12; Romans 6:5-8.
f. Conclusion: Therefore, it is in baptism the believer’s faith and God’s grace comes together--for his salvation and justification by faith in Jesus Christ. The preponderance of evidence from the Scriptures has clearly establishes that it is in “baptism”; this act of obedience to God, we can give praise; “for by grace are ye saved through the faith.” Amen and Amen! Notice Paul on this point: “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ,” Galatians 3:26-27; Romans 6:2-4. We will return to Paul’s Letter to the Galatians again in our discussion of the last point in this lesson. But for now, I ask of those visiting: “are you in Christ?” Now let's consider our last point. Church, fasten your seat belts! Someone from the audience: "that's tonight!." O' that's right we will be discussing point three tonight. Thank you; let me review and then invite those needing to come!
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. Man’s Condition before His Call by Grace
2. Man’s Condition during His Call into Grace
3. Man’s Condition after His Call to Grace
B. Summarize main points:
1. First, Paul answers this question by addressing man’s condition before his call by grace. Paul described the man as being “dead in trespasses and sins.” He was unable to save himself. He was unworthy of the salvation of God through any human works of righteousness or goodness.
2. Secondly, Paul stated man’s condition during his call into grace. He affirms that at this time he is “united with Christ – and quickened or made alive.” And at that time he is “saved by grace.” Paul indicates in other writing that the sinner at this time is united with Christ in baptism. “Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved); for by grace are ye saved through faith,” Ephesians 2:5, Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 5:1-2.
3. Finally, Paul stated that man’s condition after his call to grace. He has been “raised up together with Christ and made to sit in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Note: “That in the ages to come He (God) might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus…For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them,” Ephesians 2:7; Ephesians 2:10.
C. Invitation, H, B, R, C, B.
D. Persuade. "Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord we persuade men," 2 Corinthians 5:11. “Today is the day of salvation," 2 Corinthians 6:2.
E. Motivate. "Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light," Matthew 11:28-30. I hope it shall not be said of you; as it was of the children of Israel by Jeremiah: "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved." Jeremiah 8:20. Illustrate: "There is no pillow as soft as a clear conscience." Review story of the two blind men! Our Lord asks: "What will ye that I shall do unto you? They say unto him, Lord that our eyes may be opened. So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him," Matthew 20:29-34. As of this moment your eyes are now opened! Will you do as these, "follow him?" Luke says: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he that anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering the sight of the blind, and to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord," Luke 4:16-19. Jesus is the answer. Won't you make the decision to follow him right now?
