The Change

Ephesians 2 highlights an incredible transformation that takes place for those who have been saved by Jesus Christ.  In verse 3, Paul says that before Christ we were "objects of wrath."  God's holy judgment was burning against us because of our sin.  But through grace, we "have been made alive with Christ" and we have been "raised up with Christ" and "seated in the heavenly realms."  In other words, a dramatic metamorphosis has taken place.  When Paul says that we have made alive with Christ he means that the Holy Spirit now lives inside of us.  Through the Spirit, we have the power to defeat our sinful nature and live in ways that are pleasing and honoring to God.  When Paul says that we have been raised with Christ and seated in the heavenly realms, he means that our victory over death is assured.  Our future eternal reward in heaven is certain as we continue in faith and in the grace of Jesus.  In Christ, we have gone from dead men walking to those with a bright hope and a future.  Ephesians 2 reminds us that by grace we have experienced a dramatic transformation.