Twice Ephesians 2:5-8 says, "you have been saved." Today we see the salvation of which this passage is speaking is that which gives life to the dead (verse 5). In the next lesson, we will examine how this salvation also raises us out of habitual sin (verses 1-2), enables us to daily overcome the power of the devil (verse 2), and seats us in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus (verse 6). How do we know, then, if we "have been saved"? We "have been saved" if we have been raised from death to life.
In this passage in Ephesians 2, we see that salvation produces a change of heart and life. Those who were immersed in habitual sin ("dead in sins") are now "alive together with Christ." Through Jesus' death, we come to life. His cross draws us out of a life of sin, and we now come alive to God. By the truths in this passage, we can see that salvation accomplishes something in our lives; there are measurable results. Oh, how I praise God for this life transformation that flows from the cross.
I remember being enslaved to sin, following my impulses, living in gluttony, laziness, impurity, and drunkenness. All this while I had a profession of faith, but I was truly dead in sins. Then one day, God showed me the cross of Christ, and I saw it with the eyes of faith. As I looked at the cross, I finally saw the extent of my sin and depravity. I saw the love of God for me though I was so unworthy, I saw a way to have life through His death, and freedom from habitual sin through His being bound to the cross for me. God enabled me to embrace that cross, and I came to life (see Matthew 27:52).
Question 7. If you are a Christian, please take a moment and contrast what your life was like when you were "dead in sins and trespasses" and what it is like now that you are "alive with Christ."
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"There was a time when I questioned the very existence of God. I lived for myself; I thought I should immediately get whatever I wanted, regardless of the consequences. I drank, lived in sexual immorality, and destroyed friendships. I was convinced that I was free, and others were trapped by their old-fashioned ideas about God and Christianity. I thought I was the enlightened one. Now I look back at that time in my life and shake my head. God has shown His face to me so many times that I can't fathom ever questioning His existence! I have truly found freedom-and because of that freedom, I can enjoy life without the crippling insecurity that used to overwhelm me. I am now a new person who can have caring relationships. Christ is my life."
From death to life, that is the reality of all who are in Christ, a "past tense" reality that has ongoing effects in our lives.
Now, let us now consider our final passage for this lesson:
“And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. 14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” Hebrews 10:10-14
Question 8. Hebrews 10:12 tells us that after Jesus died on the cross He "sat down" at the right hand of God. Comparing Hebrews 10:12 with Hebrews 10:11, what is the contrast with the truth that Jesus "sat down" at the right hand of God?
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Question 9. Comparing Hebrews 10:12 with Hebrews 10:14, what does the truth that Jesus "sat down" at the right hand of God teach us?
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Question 10. According to Hebrews 10:14, who has Jesus made perfect for all time?
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