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⁸ For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, ⁹ not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8–9 (ESV)

“Sola Fide and Sola Gratia — have become deeply entrenched in Protestant history.  Sola Fide, or faith alone, denies that our works contribute to the ground of our justification, while Sol Gratia, or grace alone, denies that any merit or our own contributes to our justification.” R. C. Sproul  

“Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me!” “Marvelous grace of our loving Lord, grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt.” “Wonderful grace of Jesus, greater than all my sin; how shall my tongue describe it, where shall its praise begin?” Wonderful words from several hymns on God’s grace.

One author writes, “Christians love to sing of the saving grace of God—and rightly so. John tells us that out of Jesus’ “fullness we have all received, grace upon grace” (John 1:16). Many of the New Testament letters begin and end with the writers expressing their desire that the grace of Jesus would be with His people. The very last words of the Bible read: “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen” (Rev. 22:21).”

The 16^th Century Protestant Reformers grasped the importance of the grace of God to the Scriptures teaching on salvation. One of the slogans that came to define Reformation teaching was sola gratia, which is Latin for “by grace alone.” Sinners are saved by the grace of God alone.

“For by grace you have been saved.” The Apostle Paul states that it is through the instrumentality of God’s unmerited favor and kindness that sinners are saved (σῴζω; sozo) or delivered from the penalty of sin. In other words, God has delivered unworthy sinners into divine salvation.

“Through faith.” God graciousness towards sinners occurs through faith and faith alone. This is trust in, commitment to, dependence upon and worship of Jesus Christ solely originates from God. Sinners do not create their own faith in the Lord. As we shall see in the text, faith is also a sovereign gift from God. This is because to rely on oneself for faith is no different from relying upon oneself for good works.

“And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,” Correctly understood, the pronoun this refers the reader back to immediately preceding noun faith. Paul is stating that the believer’s faith is not solely of them, but rather it is the gift solely from God.  

Dr. John MacArthur writes, “This” refers to the entire previous statement of salvation, not only the grace but the faith. Although men are required to believe for salvation, even that faith is part of the gift of God, which saves and cannot be exercised by one’s own power. God’s grace is preeminent in every aspect of salvation (cf. Rom. 3:20; Gal. 2:16)”

Dr. R.C. Sproul comments that, “The whole complex of salvation is by grace through faith as a gift from God. Others, however, take (the word) ‘this’ as referring specifically to ‘faith.’ In either case, since faith is included in the whole complex of salvation, faith itself must be understood as a gift of God and not as a human achievement, Sinners are dependent on God’s gracious gift for their believing response to Christ from the moment of conversion. Paul makes explicit here was is implicit elsewhere in the New Testament about the ultimate source of saving faith (Acts 13:48; Philippians 1:29).”

May we all give thanks today for God’s great and amazing grace and also for the gracious gift of saving faith.   

Soli deo Gloria!

^4 “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, ⁵ even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— ⁶ and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, ⁷ so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:4-7)

The Apostle Paul has set forth the truth that solely on the basis of God’s rich mercy and great love with which He loved rebellious sinners like you and me, God initiated an action on the sinner’s behalf, even as sinners were was dead in their trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1-3).

What action has God done? He has made the spiritually dead sinner alive in Christ. The sinner has been spiritually resurrected and brought to new life in Christ. God imparted unto us new life. This necessitated a new birth by the Holy Spirit called regeneration (John 3:1-8; Titus 3:1-5). Regeneration always precedes conversion (John 3:3).

Secondly, God has raised us up with Him. The Lord has resurrected us into new life and living. It is a spiritual resurrection which foreshadows the believer’s bodily resurrection in Christ (I Corinthians 15:35-49).

Thirdly, the Lord has “seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” This positional fellowship believers presently have with God is in the heavenly places. This means the domain of God and His angels. This fellowship is solely for those who are in Christ Jesus.

What was God’s purpose in doing all these things for sinners? God’s purpose extends not only for the present but also for all time. It was to show (ἐνδείκνυμι; endeiknymi), to demonstrate, or to make known what Paul says are the immeasurable riches of God’s grace.

The word immeasurable (ὑπερβάλλω; hyperballow) means to presently and actively go beyond the ordinary and to be, and to do, far more than what is expected. The word riches (πλοῦτος; plooutos) means extreme abundance or wealth. Both words, within the context, refer to God’s grace.

As often noted, grace (χάρις; charis) is the Lord’s unmerited favor, which is found solely in His character. The Apostle Paul also states that God’s graciousness towards sinners was displayed by the instrumentality of His active kindness (χρηστότης; chrestotes) which is His goodness and benevolence in salvation. All this is sourced in the person and work of Christ Jesus.

One biblical scholar put it this way: “The satisfaction of His love was God’s motive in quickening and raising them (sinners). The manifestation of His glory in its surpassing wealth is His final purpose in the same.”

May we all give thanks today for God’s great grace for the immeasurable riches of HIs grace.  

Soli deo Gloria!

^4 “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, ⁵ even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— ⁶ and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,”  (Ephesians 2:4-6)

The Apostle Paul has set forth the truth that solely on the basis of God’s rich mercy and great love with which He loved rebellious sinners like you and me, God initiated an action on the sinner’s behalf, even as sinners were was dead in their trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1-3).

What action has God done? He has made the spiritually dead sinner alive in Christ. The sinner has been spiritually resurrected and brought to new life in Christ. God imparted unto us new life. This necessitated a new birth by the Holy Spirit called regeneration (John 3:1-8; Titus 3:1-5). Regeneration always precedes conversion (John 3:3).

Secondly, God has raised us up with Him. The Lord has resurrected us into new life and living. It is a spiritual resurrection which foreshadows the believer’s bodily resurrection in Christ (I Corinthians 15:35-49).

Thirdly, the Lord has “seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” The word seated (συγκαθίζω; synkathizo) literally means to be sit down together. This positional fellowship believers presently have with God is in the heavenly places. This means the domain of God and His angels. This fellowship is solely for those who are in Christ Jesus.

The IVP New Testament Background Commentary states, “Scholars have compared the image of the exaltation of the believers in 2:6 with the fairly common Jewish image of the righteous enthroned in the world to come; Christians have begun to experience the life of the coming age in advance. The context would drive an additional point home especially forcefully to readers once enslaved by fear of Fate or the stars: to be “seated with Christ” means in 2:6 what it meant in 1:20–21—to be enthroned over the evil powers. Christians need not fear demons, Fate or anything else; their lives are ruled by God.”

Dr. John MacArthur writes, “The tense of “raised” and “seated” indicates that these are immediate and direct results of salvation. Not only is the believer dead to sin and alive to righteousness through Christ’s resurrection, but he also enjoys his Lord’s exaltation and shares in his preeminent glory. In the heavenly places is the supernatural realm where God reigns. In 3:10 and 6:12, however, it also refers to the supernatural sphere where Satan temporarily rules. This spiritual realm is where believers’ blessings are (cf. Eph. 1:3), their inheritance is (1 Pet. 1:4), their affections should be (Col. 3:3), and where they enjoy fellowship with the Lord. It is the realm from which all divine revelation has come and where all praise and petitions go.”

May we all give thanks today for God’s great grace in seating us in the heavenly realms with Christ.

Soli deo Gloria!

^4 “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, ⁵ even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— ⁶ and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,”  (Ephesians 2:4-6)

The Apostle Paul has set forth the truth that solely on the basis of God’s rich mercy and great love with which He loved rebellious sinners like you and me, God initiated an action on the sinner’s behalf, even as sinners were was dead in their trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1-3).

What action has God done? He has made the spiritually dead sinner alive in Christ. The sinner has been spiritually resurrected and brought to new life in Christ. God imparted unto us new life. This necessitated a new birth by the Holy Spirit called regeneration (John 3:1-8; Titus 3:1-5). Regeneration always precedes conversion (John 3:3).

Secondly, God has raised us up with Him. To be raised (συνεγείρω; synegeiren) literally means to be raised together. In other words, the Lord has resurrected us into new life and living. It is a spiritual resurrection which foreshadows the believer’s bodily resurrection in Christ (I Corinthians 15:35-49).

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “What once happened to Jesus will one day happen to believers as well (2 Corinthians 4:16). They will be resurrected to glory at His return (Romans 8:11; I Corinthians 15). For the present, there is a new mind (Ephesians 4:23-24; Romans 12:1-2), a new identity as God’s children (Romans 8:14-17), and a new ability to life free from the control of Satan (Romans 8:1-4; 2 Corinthians 5:17). These realities are all part of what it means that the believer is united to Jesus Christ in the resurrection.”

May we all give thanks today for His great grace in raising us up into new life in Christ

Soli deo Gloria!

^4 “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, ⁵ even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—“ (Ephesians 2:4-5)

The Apostle Paul has set forth the truth that solely on the basis of God’s rich mercy and great love with which He loved rebellious sinners like you and me, God initiated an action on the sinner’s behalf; even as sinners were was dead in their trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1-3).

What action has God done? He has made the spiritually dead sinner alive in Christ. The sinner has been spiritually resurrected and brought to new life in Christ. God imparted unto us new life. This necessitated a new birth by the Holy Spirit called regeneration (John 3:1-8; Titus 3:1-5). Regeneration always precedes conversion (John 3:3).

Colossians 2:13 says “And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses.”  

Why did God the Father do this? The Apostle Paul answers the question with the phrase “by grace you have been saved.” It is upon the unmerited favor of God that He delivers sinners from the penalty, power and eventual presence of sin in their lives. As Charles Hodge commented, “God interfered for our recovery.”

Theologian Dr. Morton H. Smith writes, “The fact is that none of us is righteous and thus deserving of any good favor from God. The amazing thing is not that God hates sin and the rebellious sinner, but that He has been pleased to show mercy upon any sinners. By His sovereign grace, before the foundation of the world, God chose some unto everlasting life in Christ; provided in Christ the redemption necessary to cleanse them from their sins; then sent the Spirit to give them new hearts, thus enabling them to come to Christ by saving faith.”

Dr. John Walvoord writes, “God is fully aware of the unbelievers’ state. It was clearly described in Ephesians 2:1–3 and is repeated here: even when we were dead in transgressions (cf. v. 1). This act of God in making the unregenerate alive is an act of grace: it is by grace you have been saved. Paul elaborated on this last statement, which is actually parenthetical, in verse 8. The verb “have been saved” is in the perfect tense which expresses the present permanent state as a result of a past action. Because believers have been “made alive” spiritually with Christ, they have been and are saved.”

Thank you Lord for saving my soul. Thank you Lord for making me whole. Thank you Lord for giving to me, Thy great salvation, so rich and free.

May we all give thanks today for His great grace in saving us from our sins.

Soli deo Gloria!

We will devote each Lord’s Day in 2021 at hiswordtoday.org to present a portion of the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF). For those unfamiliar with the WCF, a brief explanation is appropriate. 

The Westminster Confession of Faith is a Reformed confession of faith. Drawn up by the 1646 Westminster Assembly as part of the Westminster Standards to be a confession of the Church of England, it became and remains the “subordinate standard” of doctrine (to Scripture) in the Church of Scotland and has been influential within Presbyterian churches worldwide.

It is to that “most precise and accurate summary of the content of biblical Christianity” that we will give our time and attention to each Lord’s Day in the year of our Lord, 2021. I trust you will be edified and encouraged each week by The Westminster Confession of Faith.

Chapter Ten: Of Effectual Calling.

1. All those whom God hath predestinated unto life, and those only, he is pleased, in his appointed and accepted time, effectually to call,^a by his Word and Spirit,^b out of that state of sin and death, in which they are by nature, to grace and salvation by Jesus Christ;^c enlightening their minds, spiritually and savingly, to understand the things of God;^d taking away their heart of stone, and giving unto them an heart of flesh;^e renewing their wills, and by his almighty power determining them to that which is good,^f and effectually drawing them to Jesus Christ;^g yet so as they come most freely, being made willing by his grace.^h

a. Rom 8:30; 11:7; Eph 1:10-11. • b. 2 Cor 3:3, 6; 2 Thes 2:13-14. • c. Rom 8:2; Eph 2:1-5; 2 Tim 1:9-10. • d. Acts 26:18; 1 Cor 2:10, 12; Eph 1:17-18. • e. Ezek 36:26. • f. Deut 30:6; Ezek 11:19; 36:27; Phil 2:13. • g. John 6:44-45; Eph 1:19. • h. Psa 110:3; Song 1:4; John 6:37; Rom 6:16-18.

2. This effectual call is of God’s free and special grace alone, not from anything at all foreseen in man;^a who is altogether passive therein, until, being quickened and renewed by the Holy Spirit,^b he is thereby enabled to answer this call, and to embrace the grace offered and conveyed in it.^c

a. Rom 9:11; Eph 2:4-5, 8-9; 2 Tim 1:9; Titus 3:4-5. • b. Rom 8:7; 1 Cor 2:14; Eph 2:5. • c. Ezek 36:27; John 5:25; 6:37.

I encourage you to read the portions of Scripture listed in this post.

Have a blessed Lord’s Day.

\Soli deo Gloria!

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,” (Ephesians 2:4 (ESV)

Ephesians 2:1-10 is one of the pinnacle chapters in the New Testament. Within these ten verses we witness the biblical truths of spiritual death, sin, condemnation, new life, grace, faith, the person and work of Jesus Christ, and that each believer in Christ is God’s workmanship.

The Apostle Paul began in vv. 1-3 with the assertion that all unbelievers exist in a natural state, or condition, of sin. Dr. John Walvoord writes, “Ephesians 2:1–3 presents a hopeless picture of an unregenerate person who deserves nothing but God’s wrath. The wrath of God, however, is not the entire story. Its dark background contrasts with the glorious exhibition of God’s grace toward the unregenerate. Verses 4–10 set forth the grace of God which works on some unbelievers and gives them life (vv. 4–5), raises them (v. 6a), and seats them in heavenly realms with Christ (vv. 6b–10).”

Today, we begin to examine this glorious exhibition of God’s grace beginning in Ephesians 2:4. The first two words in 2:4 establish a pivotal contrast to Ephesians 2:1-3, wherein hinges all the blessings from the Lord: But God!

But God! The conjunction of contrast “but” indicates an alternative condition for natural and fallen man. In other words, the Apostle Paul was saying “on the other hand.” This contrast is solely from God. He is the subject of what Paul is now about to say. What does the apostle say about the One, True, and Holy God and His initiative towards natural and fallen man?

To begin with, Paul says God is rich in mercy. The Lord presently and actively is a merciful God. Mercy (ἔλεος; eleos) means to have pity and compassion. It is a characteristic of God which is found throughout the New Testament (cf. (Matt. 9:13; Luke 10:37; Rom. 9:23; 11:31; Gal. 6:16; Titus 1:4, 3:5; Heb. 4:16; James 2:13; 3:17; 1 Peter 1:3). If grace is God giving sinners what they do not deserve, mercy is God “not giving” sinners what they do deserve.

God is not just merciful, but Paul also says the Lord is rich in mercy. The word rich (πλούσιος; plousios) means abundantly wealthy. Paul says God is abundantly wealthy in mercy towards sinners.

Additionally, God is also loving. His love (ἀγάπη; agape) is a self-sacrificial love of the will. It is a great (πολύς; polus), extensive and extravagant love. It is a love towards those who do not love Him (Ephesians 2:1-3; I John 4:7-12; Romans 1:18-32; 3:9-20). It is a love God has for the fallen and wicked world (John 3:16). It is a love which does not dismiss or ignore God’s holiness or His justice.

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “God loves His people of His own will. Paul excludes any consideration of merit, effort, or ability on the part of those who come to life (Deuteronomy 7:1-8). The hopeless condition of sinners apart from Christ that Paul has described in vv.1-3 is the context for understanding his teaching on God’s election in 1:4-6 and on His gift of life here in vv.4-10.”

Have you received God’s great mercy and love in Christas your own? If so, praise and thank Him today. If not, repent of your sin and place your faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone for eternal life.

Soli deo Gloria!

“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins ² 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— ³ 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)

Ephesians 2:1-10 is one of the pinnacle chapters in the New Testament. Within these ten verses we witness the biblical truths of spiritual death, sin, condemnation, new life, grace, faith, the person and work of Jesus Christ, and that each believer in Christ is God’s workmanship.

The Apostle Paul begins in vv. 1-3 with the assertion that all unbelievers exist in a natural state, or condition, of sin. In other words, the unbeliever is dead to God but alive to sin. In fact, the unbeliever revels in their sin and wickedness (Romans 1:18-32).

The fallen world culture believes that natural man is basically good. The Scriptures teach the exact opposite. In other words, the Bible teaches that natural man is basically sinful, wicked and evil. Who is telling the truth, or which proposition corresponds to reality?

Ephesians 2:3 says, “…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.”

“Among whom we all once lived. The Apostle Paul presents a pretty condemning portrait of the natural man. It should be noted that he included himself in this evaluation. In spite of all his so-called spiritual accomplishments prior to receiving Christ as his Lord and Savior, Paul assessed the truth of his inherent sinfulness (Philippians 3:1-9). The word lived (ἀναστρέφω; anastrepho) means to conduct oneself, one’s behavior, and to live in a certain way (cf. 2 Cor. 1:12; 1Tim. 3:15; Heb. 10:33; 13:18; 1 Peter 1:17; 2 Peter 2:18).

How does the unconverted individual conduct themselves? Today’s text says, “…in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind.” The word passions (ἐπιθυμία; epithymia) refers to covetousness, evil desires, and lust. These cravings are united with the fallen individual’s sinful nature. Consequently, these lusts are actively carried out (ποιέω; poieo), performed and practiced. These actions are not only by one’s physical body in what a person does, but also by the mind in what a person thinks.

The natural man is not forced to do his sin, he does it naturally. The word nature (φύσις; physis) means the character, or make up of something, as a natural result or condition (cf. Rom. 1:26; 11:21, 24; 1 Cor. 11:14; Gal. 4:8; 2 Peter 1:4). The natural man is by nature a child of wrath. Unbelievers have a close relationship, not with the Lord, but rather with His wrath. Disobedience and unbelief result in the wrath of God (cf. Rom. 1:18–2:29; John 3:36).

All of fallen mankind exists in this spiritually lost condition. One look at the daily and evening news broadcasts evidence this truth. This is also evidenced by even those who present the so-called evening news.

Dr. John Walvoord writes, “Ephesians 2:1–3 presents a hopeless picture of an unregenerate person who deserves nothing but God’s wrath. The wrath of God, however, is not the entire story. Its dark background contrasts with the glorious exhibition of God’s grace toward the unregenerate. Verses 4–10 set forth the grace of God which works on some unbelievers and gives them life (vv. 4–5), raises them (v. 6a), and seats them in heavenly realms with Christ (vv. 6b–10).”

We will begin to examine the glorious exhibition of God’s grace in Ephesians 2:4 when next we meet.

Soli deo Gloria!

“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,” (Ephesians 4:11 (ESV)

Jesus Christ perfectly fulfilled the Father’s will (Ephesians 4:8-10). Christ now distributes the spoils throughout his kingdom. After his ascension came all the spiritual gifts empowered by the Spirit, who was then sent (see John 7:39; 14:12; Acts 2:33) as the promised Comforter (John 14:15-31; 15:26-27; 16:4-11). Jesus not only has given and distributed spiritual gifts to the church, but also has given the church gifted men. Today’s text gives us the four specific offices of gifted men.

We have already examined the office of apostle and prophet. Today, we examine the office of evangelist.

An evangelist (εὐαγγελιστής; euangelistes) is one who exclusively proclaims the gospel of Jesus Christ (Acts 21:8; Eph. 4:11; 2 Tim. 4:5). It is also from this Greek word that we derive our English words evangelical and evangelism.

My pastor was an evangelist. Prior to receiving the call to be the pastor of a local church, he directed and spoke at evangelistic meetings, which were conducted for weeks at a time. Sharing the Gospel and giving people, especially young people, the opportunity to receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord was his passion.

In addition to holding evangelistic meetings, and pastoring a local church, he directed a youth camo in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It was there that for over 50 years he preached the Gospel to scores for teenagers. Many of those young people sensed God’s call into full-time ministry and are serving the Lord even to this day.

When the Lord called my pastor home in December 2018, it could accurately be said of him, like the Apostle Paul, that he fought the good fight, he finished the race and he kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7).

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “(Evangelists are) people especially gifted to preach the Gospel (Acts 21:8; 2 Timothy 4:5). Evangelism was at the core of Paul’s apostolic calling (I Cor. 1:17), although his office included greater authority to receive and transmit revelation from the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:5) and to lead the church.”

Who was it who shared the Gospel to you, whereupon you repented of your sin, placed your faith in Christ, and were converted? If they are still living, give them a call and tell them how grateful you are that they were obedient to God’s call to share the good news of Jesus Christ.                                                                                                                                                      

Soli deo Gloria!  

“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins ² 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— ³ 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)

Ephesians 2:1-10 is one the pinnacle chapters in the New Testament. Within these ten verses we witness the biblical truths of spiritual death, sin, condemnation, new life, grace, faith, the person and work of Jesus Christ, and that each believer in Christ is God’s workmanship.

The Apostle Paul begins in vv. 1-3 with the assertion that all unbelievers exist in a natural state, or condition, of sin. In other words, the unbeliever is dead to God but alive to sin. In fact, the unbeliever revels in their sin and wickedness (Romans 1:18-32).

Yesterday, we examined v.  1 which says, “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins…” Today, we examine 2:2 which says, “…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—.”

Natural, unconverted mankind walked in their trespasses and sins. The word walked (περιπατέω; peripateo) refers in the context to active behavior and living. It refers to what people go about doing. In the case of the natural and unsaved individual, they do about doing sin. They do so because they enjoy sinning.

They are also following the course (αἰών; aion), authority, lordship and ruler which belongs to the fallen world system. The fallen world is characterized by the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life (Genesis 3; Matthew 4:1-17; Luke 4:1-13; I John 2:15-17). In other words, it is fallen humanity’s values and standards apart from Christ.

The de facto, or delegated ruler of this fallen world system of wicked thoughts and behavior is referred to as the “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—.” The word prince (ἄρχων; archon) means a wicked force, ruler or official. Power (ἐξουσία; exousia) also means a wicked force, ruler or official. Of the air (ἀήρ; aer) refers to supernatural power. In other words, this is a description of Satan and his demons. Paul describes the devil as a spiritual being who is actively working in the children belonging to this world and evidencing their allegiance by their disobedience against God and His Word.

So, the natural and unconverted individual lives according to the fallen world’s values, follows Satan (I John 5:19; 2 Corinthians 4:1-4), and inwardly finds it natural and normal to consciously and actively rebel and oppose God. This is the spiritual condition of the lost. It should not surprise us when lost people make the choices they make, which seem to be so wicked and vile. They enjoy their wickedness, as believers in Christ once did in their lost condition.

What is ultimate consequence of this fallen and wicked condition of natural human beings? Ephesians 2:3 provides the answer. It is to that biblical answer that we will give our attention when next we meet.

Soli deo Gloria!