When I read this passage from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians I was compelled to read it again and again such was the significance of his message. It is when I look back at my life before I made a commitment to follow Jesus that I see just how much my life has changed. My attitude and priorities have completely been transformed, not consciously but by the power of God living in me by His Spirit. None of this is through my own doing but by the grace of God given as a gift (v.8-9). The phrase ‘born again Christian’ is often used to describe the transition and transformation that takes place when you commit your life to Jesus. Paul emphasises here in chapter 2 the theme of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. He makes it absolutely clear that salvation is not the result of human endeavours or human goodness, these are completely ineffective and therefore we cannot take any credit or brag about it.

Paul then goes on to describe how our transition from being dead in our transgressions to being alive in Christ has torn down the divide between Jew and Gentile resulting in one spiritual family. Jesus came to reach people of all kinds and in all places and through Him we have access in one Spirit to the Father. Gentile believers are no longer strangers and aliens but are united with Jewish believers in Christ. This united family, the church, is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Jesus as the cornerstone. “His purpose was to create in himself one humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross.” (v.15-16).

***

Questions:

How significant a change was there in your life when you said yes to Jesus’ invitation?

Was there a moment you can recall when someone else noticed a change in you that required you to give an explanation?

Action:

Read and read again Ephesians 2 and reflect upon your own journey of transition and transformation giving thanks to God for his wonderful gift of grace.