In verses 1-3, Paul describes the desperate situation of not knowing Christ. It is a picture of death, slavery and condemnation. Paul then goes on to systematically show how each of these things is reversed in Christ.
Whereas we were dead in sin and transgression, now we have become alive (v.5). Whereas we weremenslaved and held captive by evil forces, now we sit on thrones alongside Jesus (v.6). Whereas we were condemned, now we ahve been saved from condemnation (v.4-5).
It is exciting and dramatic picture of what happens when we respond to the gospel. Our spiritual rags of death , slavery and condemnation are replaced with spiritual riches of life, enthronement and salvation.
Paul keeps the most unbelievable thing for last. This rags to riches story is like no other you'll hear. Most rags to riches stories revolve around someone succeeding because of his or her own hard work and determination. But (there's that word again) the amazing message of the gospel is that we are taken from spiritual rags to richies for free. We contribute nothing. It is not our efforts that achieve it; it is God's efforts through Jesus. It is a free gift out of God's sheer mercy and love and grace (v.8-10)
There's even more to be said. In verses 11-22, Paul gives another perspective on our spiritual rags to richies story. This time he is not so much concerned with our reconciliation with God as with our reconciliation with each other.
*i found this while in Australia for training, we were going to use this sheet of paper as a rough paper to place under the pump head mechanism while appliying loctite. anyways, i don't know what made me want to open this folded piece of paper and read it's contents, but i did and i'm glad that i did. i found this passage written on it. after reading through it, i found it to be so true and relative to what i was going through at that point of time. God's timing and way of showing us things is perfect, just right! after arriving back in Singapore i read through Ephesians, the whole book. the passage made more sense to me, and hopefully to you guys too.
May God's Blessing and Perfect Timing Always Be With You and Upon You!
