From Death to Life in Ephesians 2

Read Ephesians Chapter 2

Introduction: In Ephesians 2, the Apostle Paul gives us a compelling discourse on the transformation that occurs through faith in Jesus Christ, pointing out the transition from death to life, division to unity, and from being distant from God, to being near to Him. This chapter emphasizes the grace of God in salvation, the creation of a new humanity in Christ, and the reconciliation of all believers into one family. Paul’s message is not just informative but also transformative, encouraging those who read it to embrace the radical life change brought about by Christ.

I. From Death to Life (Ephesians 2:1-10)
In these verses, Paul describes the spiritual state of individuals before coming to faith as being “dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1). He says that, previously, people lived according to the ways of the world, influenced by Satan (Ephesians 2:2). Then, God, rich in mercy and grace, made believers alive with Christ, pointing to the fact that salvation is purely by grace and not by works (Ephesians 2:4-5, 8-9). This transformation is akin to the new creation spoken of in 2 Corinthians 5:17, where the old has passed away, and the new has come, the old man dies, and the new man comes alive with a renewed spirit in Christ. Titus 3:5 supports the great truth of regeneration not by works but through the Holy Spirit, and in Romans 6:4-5, the Bible points to the old man dying and the new man rising with Christ.

II. From Division to Unity (Ephesians 2:11-18)
Here in these verses, Paul talks about the divide between Jews and gentiles, reminding the gentiles of their previous alienation from the covenants of promise (Ephesians 2:11-12). Through the blood of Christ, the dividing wall of hostility has been broken down, making peace between the two groups and creating one new humanity (Ephesians 2:14-15). The unity Paul is talking about here can also seen in Galatians 3:28, where Paul says that in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek, bond nor free, or male nor female. The peace Christ established is also mentioned in Colossians 1:20, and the reconciliation of all people into one body can be read in 1 Corinthians 12:13.

III. From Distance to Nearness (Ephesians 2:19-22)
In the final verses, Paul states that believers are no longer strangers but members of God’s household, with Jesus as the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-20). The whole body of Christ, consisting of apostles, prophets, and believers, is joined together and grows into a holy temple for the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:21-22). We read in about the closeness of believers to God in 1 Peter 2:5, which speaks of believers as living stones being built into a spiritual house, which is what we call the New Testament Church. Jesus’ role as the cornerstone can also be seen in Acts 4:11, and the believers, the faithful, being God’s temple is repeated in 1 Corinthians 3:16.

Conclusion: Ephesians 2 paints a powerful picture of transformation in the life of a believer. Through faith in Christ, individuals are brought from spiritual death into life, reconciled from division into unity, and transformed from distant strangers into important members of God’s household, the church. Paul’s message is not only a historical account of the early church but remains a relevant and inspirational invitation for people who read it today to experience the life changing power of God’s grace and love. The chapter is testimony to the unifying work of Christ and the ongoing growth of the church as a dwelling place for God’s presence.