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;) (Ephesians 2:4-5)

We often focus on the future grace we will enjoy with the return of Jesus. At the end of many church services we hear of our need to put our faith in Jesus so that we can some day get to heaven where we will receive that grace. Yes, this is correct. But, if we look closely at today’s text, we can clearly see that there was a lot more wrong than right in our lives before we came to faith in Christ.

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. (Ephesians 2:1-3 ESV)

We followed Satan (a none too popular truth), lived in the passions of our flesh, and behaved as we desired. But, because of God’s love for us we are no longer slaves to self, sin, or Satan! No longer are we “dead in our trespasses”, we are made alive in Him. It is only by God’s grace that we can follow and obey His commandments. No more being carried here and there by the ways of the world, God’s grace has made a way for us while we live here on the earth. Now our deepest desires are to do God’s will and live worshipping Him instead of ourselves.

When I recently read this I thought of this scripture, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). God’s grace is not only for the future, but to be experienced in the present. Today let’s experience a peace that passes all understanding by embracing God’s grace. He is faithful, He is the same yesterday, today and forever!!

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Ephesians 2:4-5