Text: Ephesians 2:1-7
1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 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: 3 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. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
"...you hath he quickened," means to be restored or brought back to life. Because of God's mercy and "his great love wherewith he loved us" (v. 4), we have been restored "together with Christ" (v. 5). We were "dead in trespasses and sins" (v. 1), and "walked according to the course of this world" (v. 2). As believers in Christ, we remember the times when we followed the world (v. 2), followed the devil (v. 3), and followed our fleshly desires (v. 3). But God's grace has raised us up (v. 6) and has "made us sit together in heavenly places."
"The world system of values and attitudes is satanic at its roots. Satan is the mastermind behind the world system. Unbelievers follow the world system of values and attitudes because unbelievers are spiritually dead. That’s our point. They have no life or power from God, and they can’t do anything but follow the world system of values and attitudes." (https://www.growingchristians.org/talks/ephesians_2a/)
What an honor it is to be loved by God. As believers, we must walk in the freedom of God's grace. We are forgiven! Such a declarative statement must not be overlooked as a sham or some sort of religious hullabaloo. It is real! God is real! Once we proclaim it to others, they will hear the good news of salvation. God, through Jesus Christ, has redeemed us and delivered [us] from evil.
Prayer: Father, thank you for restoring me. Though I walked in darkness and despair, you saved me. Now I can see your goodness and love toward me. I praise you Lord. Amen!