The Apostle Paul, writing in Ephesians 2:4 wrote “but God being rich in mercy….”. In the first few verses of Eph. 2 Paul contrasts the two “life’s” of man. One is his lost state outside of Christ and the other, his life in Christ.
As is evident in many Scriptures, Paul contrasts what we common only call “both sides of the coin.” He shows us that we are influenced by both good and bad throughout our lives. He contrasts a life that is controlled by Satan and one who is controlled by the Holy Spirit.
Paul tells us that we all are following a course in life. Here in Eph. 2 we have the negative viewpoint, a life that is directed by Satan. It is a life that centers on the things of the flesh. It is a life that stresses living in the flesh and satisfying carnal desires. It is a life that is alienated to God. It is a life that has no room for the Lord Jesus Christ and one that will lead to Hell.
But, praise God that He exhibited His mercy. Romans 5:8 says that “God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us.” He is not a God who is stingy with His mercy; rather He is, like the title of our article, rich in mercy.
He has lavished His love and mercy upon us. Jesus said that He came that we might live an abundant life spiritually (John 10:10). We have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the Heavenly place in Christ (Eph. 1:3).
As a result of God being rich in mercy, Jesus came and died for us that we might have life in Him. Eph. 2:8-10 tell us of that great news of salvation. Paul tells us of grace and faith and their part in salvation. He tells us that there is absolutely nothing we can do to earn that salvation. He tells us that we have be saved in order that we might work for the Lord. Not working to be saved, but working because we are saved. Christians should be the best workers the Lord has.
Because He is rich in mercy and has delivered us out of the darkness of this world (Col. 1:14ff), we have the privilege to tell others of that mercy and help them find the marvelous light of the Gospel.
Let’s always be a thankful people, living the Christian life to the fullest and always be striving to “grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18) By doing this we will “let our light shine for Him.” (Matthew 5:16)
-Larry Miles lives in Louisville, KY and is a member of the Cherry Street Church of Christ in New Albany, IN