But God…, Pt2
Scripture: Eph 2:4-7.
Stream or download The unsearchable riches of Christ, Pt24
III. GOD’S SALVATION CAME TO US THROUGH CHRIST.
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, Eph 2:5-6.
Please note that Paul speaks in the past tense. Hath quickened; hath raised. This is our present position and possession. Remember 1:18-20. Paul would have them know that this is what they have, where they are. The phrase by grace ye are saved means literally, by grace ye have been saved.
1. God’s grace is conveyed to us through Jesus Christ. You know nothing of God’s grace until you are united to Christ. Woman with issue of blood, Mark 5:25-29; the dead and the bones of Elisha, 2 Kings 13:21.
2. Every Christian has a real and vital union with Christ. We were joined to Christ in the covenant of grace before the worlds began but there came a time when experimentally, I was brought into union with Christ and was made spiritually alive. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit, 1 Cor 6:17; But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his, Rom 8:9. This uion is represented under different analogies, planted, Rom 6:5; “glued, cemented” 1 Cor 6:6:17; partnership, Hebs 3:14.
3. As the branch partakes of the life of the trunk, even so we are partakers of Christ’s life. John 15:5. We live off Christ. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me, Galatians 2:20. If you are not united to Christ the life then you are dead in your sins.