Ephesians 2:5-6 Even when we were dead in sins, has quickened us together with Christ, (by grace you are saved;)… I. First, then, the text shows YOU THE MISERY FROM WHICH YOU MUST BE RESCUED. "Even when we were dead in sins." Every individual, descended from Adam, having a polluted nature, and living in this world, is "dead in sins." This is an awfully emphatic expression — "dead in sins." A more wretched state can scarcely be conceived, except that of "the angels who kept not their first estate," and whom God has "reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day." But I need not tell you that it is a metaphorical expression, because it declares that a living man is "dead." Not dead naturally. He is not dead as to natural actions; he can eat, and drink, and sleep. Nor as to rational actions; he can reason, and judge, and consider. Nor as to civil actions; he can "buy and sell and get gain." Nor as to moral actions; he can be kind, he can read and pray and hear the Word and meditate upon it; he can listen to the voice of God's judgments; he can call his ways to remembrance; he can humble himself before the God of his mercies. So far went Ahab and Herod, yet continued spiritually dead. Let me try to describe this death. It consists of two parts. 1. The sinner living in enmity to God is condemned to death. 2. The symptoms of spiritual death are manifest upon him. Sin has separated the soul from God, so that man cannot commune with God, and God cannot commune with man; "your iniquities," says the prophet, "have separated between you and your God." II. In the second place, THE AGENT AND THE MEANS OF DELIVERANCE are here presented. "God hath quickened us together with Christ." Your case, my brethren, is too desperate for the arm of man to reach. No expedients, which human might and human wisdom can afford, can remedy your misery. "God hath quickened us together with Christ." III. Thirdly, THE FELICITY TO WHICH THIS DELIVERANCE WILL RAISE YOU, is also here presented. "And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus." Here you see that a regenerate sinner is a living saint. Before, the man was dead; now, he lives. Before, as death locks up the senses and all the powers and faculties of the soul, so did a state of sin to the performance and enjoyment of anything that is really good; but now, when a change takes place, grace unlocks and opens all, and so enlarges the soul that it brings every faculty into operation as that of a living man. And do you ask me, what is this life? A life of justification; when no charge can be brought against the sinner. A life of sanctification; where holiness is the element of being. A life of dignity; where Christ is the companion forever. IV. But, fourthly, you have here THE SOURCE FROM WHENCE YOU MUST EXPECT THIS LIFE. "God who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us." Mark how language labours for expression: "rich mercy" and "great love." Inexhaustibly rich mercy; inexpressibly great love. V. But there is one more point to be noticed: THE END TO BE SECURED by this wonderful manifestation of His mercy. "That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace, in His kindness towards us through Jesus Christ." This expression, "the ages to come," sometimes refers to any future period; but it has especial reference to two. 1. To the times of the gospel. Brethren, these are "the ages" which were "to come." This is "the acceptable year;" this is "the day of the Lord;" this is "the accepted time;" this is "the day of salvation." The days since Christ was born and suffered are the most blessed and happy days that ever shone upon our fallen world. No days have been like them. 2. The phrase refers also to the last great day. Then will be the full and wondrous exhibition of the scheme of mercy, at which the world may wonder. (James Sherman). Parallel Verses KJV: Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) |
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