Read Ephesians 2:4-7

Yesterday we studied what our life was like prior to coming to salvation, now today we are going to focus upon God's mercy in extending salvation to us.  "But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, 5Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7That in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus."

Do you want to know more about God's mercy?  This is the subject of this great passage of Scripture: the work of God's mercy.  Someone has said, "The most astounding interruption in human history is the word "but" in Ephesians 2:4. Man is dead in trespasses and sins, but God is rich in mercy. He has intervened in the destiny of man; He has interrupted the doom of death and judgment. God exercises mercy upon us!"  Notice:

1.  God has quickened us with Christ - vs. 4-5. "But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, 5Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)"

With the backdrop of a dark and evil world, with its leader, its residents, and its very nature; Paul sets forth a brilliant contrast. It is introduced with a major conjunction, ‘but’. Implicit is a major contrast. That contrast is, ‘But God,’ who is rich in mercy for His great love wherewith he loved us. The brilliance of His glory is evident, shining through the dark clouds of the world, the flesh, and the devil. He is not just merciful, He is “rich in mercy.”  The word translated "rich" has the idea of abounding or overflowing. The word translated "mercy" generally has the sense of ‘kindness or good will toward those in miserable position.’  More specifically, it refers to a willingness to deal kindly with one who deserves to be punished. That, praise God, is what He has done for us. He is rich in mercy because of “His great love wherewith He loved us.” God’s mercy emanates from His love. If He is rich in mercy, how much more must be His love.

Though Christ was dead, nevertheless, God quickened Him. The word translated as "quickened together" literally means to ‘make alive together.’  Not only have we been given new life spiritually (i.e., regenerated) when we were saved, we were also regenerated along with Christ. The same power that brought Him to life in His resurrection is the power which regenerated us. What a singular blessing. We have been quickened together with Christ.

2.  God has raised us up with Christ and made us to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus - vs. 6. 

Paul continues by noting, "And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:" Two parallel resurrections are in view.  Jesus’ bodily resurrection is hereto alluded.  But our spiritual quickening in Christ has allowed us to be seated positionally in heaven with Him, because we are now in Christ.  Thus, as far as God is concerned, to that degree, we are already in heaven.  Strongly hinted at is the security and seal of our salvation. As an additional thought, our physical resurrection is also in view, but in prospect.  It hasn’t happened yet, but we can rest assured of its promise because we are in Christ Jesus, who already had blazed the way for us. Hence, our seat in heaven is awaiting us.

3.  God had one great purpose: to show us the riches of His grace in the ages to come - vs.7.  "That in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus."

The prospect of the future comes into further focus.  What a fabulous future we have in Christ.  Truly there is hope of glory.  The prospect is unto the ages to come. Then, in those ages, God will continue to display the boundless riches of His grace toward us. Of interest is that the final phrase could literally be rendered, ‘in kindness on us in Christ Jesus.’  Once again, the blessings of the ages to come will be poured out upon us because we are in Him.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  How is God able to identify with our desperate need for mercy?

2.  Contrast the thoughts: "being dead" with "but God."  What does this verse teach about God's mercy?

3.  According to Scripture, how does God raise up the believer together with Christ?

4.  Look closely at the text.  Is verse six written in the past, present or future tense?  Why is the tense in this verse significant?

5.  What is the purpose of the work of God's mercy?