Ephesians 2:4-5 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;)

“But God …”

The phrase "but God" is found in the Bible dozens of times. It is often associated with deliverance and protection.

Before … (Ephesians 2:1-3)

• Dead in trespasses and sins
• Walked according to the course of this world
• According to the prince of the power of the air
• Children of disobedience
• Fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind
• We were by nature children of wrath

After … (Ephesians 2:5-10)

• Quickened [made alive] us together with Christ
• Saved us by grace through faith
• Raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus
• We are Christ’s workmanship.
• We are created unto good works.

Note: We went from being dead in sin to being Christ’s workmanship. In between these verses we see God at work in our lives. Notice that the gospel doesn’t just save us from hell, but it is even now currently at work in our lives. The gospel changes our nature. It changes who we are. We have a new identity in Christ. We are not what we once were. Ephesians chapter two ends with saying that we are a habitation of God through the Spirit. That is something to meditate upon! When we face temptations we must remember who we are in Christ. We are fellow citizens with the saints; we are of the household of God; we are God’s habitation!

Ron Cox – Director of HOPE Ministry