“Even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)” (Eph. 2:5).
Once again Paul reiterates man’s desperate need (dead in our transgressions) only to highlight the incredible mercy of God who reached down to man when he was dead. Those of us who are believers sometimes forget that our friends who do not know Christ are dead. Christ will not simply make them better persons—that potential lies beyond a person who is dead—He will give them life.
How is it possible that one man’s death could have such impact? Christ lived without sin and thus did not merit death. His death was the only adequate sacrifice to settle the legal and righteous penalty of sin. In His death He suffered for sin and thus removed the barrier to fellowship with God that sin caused. His resurrection was the triumph over death, both physical and spiritual.
The word “together” used here and twice in the next verse indicates the believers intimate union with Christ. This word may not only suggest our union with Christ but our union with all others that are “in Christ.” That theme will control this section. This new life can be described as salvation from sin. Even though he plans to develop this theme more completely in subsequent verses, he cannot help but add his favorite summation of the gospel—“by grace you have been saved.” The emphasis is twofold. Salvation is not earned but given by God’s grace. Second, it is an accomplished fact. Good News, don’t you think?
Prayer: Thank You for my salvation. Give me the opportunity to share this good news with a friend today. Amen