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“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!

“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.

Dr. John Walvoord explains, “At the outset it should be noted that the grammatical subject of this long sentence (vv. 1–7) in Greek is “God” (v. 4) and the three main verbs are “made … alive with” (v. 5), “raised … up with” (v. 6), and “seated … with” (v. 6). The object of each of these verbs is “us,” that is, believers (vv. 5–6). Thus the main assertion in verses 1–7 is that God has made believers alive, raised them up, and seated them with Christ. All the other clauses in these verses are subordinate to this main assertion.”

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).

Paul begins with this statement: “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins…” Let us unpack this verse word for word.

“And you were.” In the immediate aftermath of the apostle’s prayer on behalf of the Ephesian believers (1:19-23), Paul reminds them of their spiritual condition prior to their conversion. These three words describe a state of being. They do not describe what the Ephesians did, but rather what and who they were. What they were was evidenced by what they did.

What was the spiritual condition of the Ephesians before their conversion, and the universal condition of all the unconverted? It is spiritual death.

Paul writes, ““And you were dead.” The word dead (νεκρός; nekros) means to be unable, worthless, powerless. It refers, within the context, to the natural state of all unbelievers before God.

Dr. John MacArthur writes, “This is a sobering reminder of the total sinfulness and lostness from which believers have been redeemed. This is the realm or sphere in which unregenerate sinners exist. They are not dead because of sinful acts that have been committed but because of their sinful nature (cf. Matt. 12:35; 15:18–19).”

Natural man’s spiritual dead condition before God is evidenced their trespasses and sins. Trespasses (παράπτωμα; paraptoma) is sin and transgressions. The unbeliever is surrounded and consumed with sin. Sins (ἁμαρτία; hamartia) is wrongdoing, evil and guilt. These two words are synonymous.

Dr. Walvoord adds, “Unregenerate persons are dead in … transgressions (cf. v. 5) and sins (Col. 2:13). This death is spiritual, not physical, for unsaved people are very much alive physically. Death signifies absence of communication with the living. One who is dead spiritually has no communication with God; he is separated from God. The phrase “in your transgressions and sins” shows the sphere of the death, suggesting that sin has killed people (Rom. 5:12; 7:10; Col. 2:13) and they remain in that spiritually dead state. “Transgressions” (paraptōmasin, “false steps”; cf. Eph. 1:7; 2:5) and “sins” (hamartia is, “acts of missing the mark”), though slightly different in their root meanings, are basically synonymous. Both suggest deliberate acts against God and His righteousness and thus failure to live as one should. The plural of these two nouns signifies people’s repetitious involvement in sin and hence their state of un-regeneration.”

When next we meet, we will examine the unregenerate individual’s state of subjection; not only to Satan but also to their own corrupt affections and desires. My prayer is that God has delivered you from your natural state of sin.

Soli deo Gloria!    

^22” And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, ²³ which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.” (Ephesians 1:22–23 (ESV)

The person doing the action in today’s text remains God the Father. The individual receiving the action is God the Son: Jesus Christ. God the Father placed or put all things under His (Jesus’) feet. What does this mean?

The word put (ὑποτάσσω; hypotasso) is an active verb. The word means to bring under control, to become subordinate or subject to an authority. God the Father placed all things, or everything, under the authority and control of God the Son: Jesus Christ. Under His feet is another way of saying that all things are under Jesus’ authority.

God the Father also gave Jesus something more. He made Jesus the head of the church. The word head (κεφαλή; kephale) means the One who has superior status. In other words, Jesus Christ is superior and the supreme authority over the church.

The Apostle Paul then refers to the church using one of the most familiar biblical metaphors: the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12). The image implies not only unity but also functionality.

The phrase “the fullness of him who fills all in all” is a description of the church. However, its meaning is somewhat obscure. The phrase literally means that the church is completely complete in Christ.

Dr. John Walvoord writes, “The meaning of this description of His body is difficult to determine. The verb “fills” can be taken passively, meaning that Christ, the Head of the body, is filled by the church. That is, as the church grows it completes Christ. However, it is better to understand the word “fills” as in the Greek middle voice: Christ, the Head of the body, fills (for Himself) the church with blessings. The verse could then be rendered, “which is His body, which is being filled by the One who fills all things with all things (blessings).” This interpretation is preferred for these reasons: (1) Nowhere else does the New Testament state that Christ finds fullness from the church. (2) This view fits the context well because the Persons of the Godhead are completing the actions (cf. Eph. 1:10). (3) This view correlates well with 4:10–11 which speaks of Christ giving all things (“the whole universe” is lit., “all things”), namely, gifted people to the church.”  

Today’s text concludes the Apostle Paul’s prayer which began in 1:15. Paul prayed that believers would come to know God intimately (v. 17) in order that they might know three facts: (1) the past call of salvation that produced hope (v. 18), (2) the future inheritance that God has in His saints (v. 18), and (3) the present power of God that is available to believers, which (a) was manifested in the past in Christ’s resurrection and Ascension, (b) will be manifested in the future in Christ’s headship over Creation, and (c) is presently manifested in Christ’s headship over the church.

When you pray today, take the opportunity to thank the Lord for the many blessings which He has given each believer in Christ: pasta, present and future. Have a blessed day.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁹…”and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might ²⁰ that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, ²¹ far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.” (Ephesians 1:19–21 (ESV)

The greatness of God’s power, which is the working of His great might, in regenerating, calling, redeeming, justifying, indwelling, adopting, and glorifying the believer in Christ is the same power and might by which God the Father raised God the Son from the dead. Ephesians 1:19-23 provides doctrine on the resurrection and enthronement of Jesus Christ.

To begin with, the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead is at work in believers in Christ (Ephesians 2:4-5; 3:16-17). Additionally, Jesus Christ is head over everything for the sake of the church. Jesus Christ is not only exalted, but also He intercedes on behalf of believers (Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 3:1-3).

Consequently, Jesus Christ is far above all other rulers and authorities, powers and dominions. No one else, and nothing else supersedes the authority of Christ.

Dr. John Walvoord writes, “God’s energetic power which resurrected and exalted Christ in the past (cf. Rom. 8:34; Eph. 2:6; Col. 3:1; Heb. 1:3; 8:1; 12:2; 1 Peter 3:22) is the same power available to believers in the present (cf. Phil. 3:10). What an amazing source of spiritual vitality, power, and strength for living the Christian life! (cf. Col. 1:11) Christ’s Ascension to the right hand of God involves His being exalted above every order of authority (cf. Col. 1:16), human and superhuman (cf. Phil. 2:8–11), whether present (in the present Age) or future (the Age to come; cf. 1 Cor. 15:23–28). The words rule and authority, power and dominion may refer primarily to angelic beings (cf. Rom. 8:38; Eph. 3:10; 6:12; Col. 1:16; 2:15; Titus 3:1).”

Dr. R .C. Sproul writes, “Ephesus and its environs were a hotbed of occultic arts and strategies for placating and manipulating invisible spiritual powers (Acts 19:1-20). Paul boldly declares that in Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, God exalted Him above all unseen forces, and that Jesus wields His supreme dominion for the sake of the church.”  

He is exalted the King is exalted on High
I will praise Him
He is exalted forever exalted
And I will praise His name.

He is the Lord
Forever His truth shall reign
Heaven and Earth
Rejoice in His holy name
He is exalted the King is exalted on high.

Today, may each of us exalt the Lord our God (Psalm 99:5). This means to praise, acclaim and extol Him before the people we encounter. He is worthy!

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 Nine: Of Free Will.

1. God hath endued the will of man with that natural liberty, that is neither forced nor by any absolute necessity of nature determined to good or evil.^a

a. Deut 30:19; Mat 17:12; James 1:14.

2. Man, in his state of innocence, had freedom and power to will and to do that which is good and well-pleasing to God,^a but yet mutably, so that he might fall from it.^b

a. Gen 1:26; Eccl 7:29. • b. Gen 2:16-17; 3:6.

3. Man, by his fall into a state of sin, hath wholly lost all ability of will to any spiritual good accompanying salvation;^a so as a natural man, being altogether averse from that good,^b and dead in sin,^c is not able, by his own strength, to convert himself, or to prepare himself thereunto.^d

a. John 15:5; Rom 5:6; 8:7. • b. Rom 3:10, 12. • c. Eph 2:1, 5; Col 2:13. • d. John 6:44, 65; 1 Cor 2:14; Eph 2:2-5; Titus 3:3-5.

4. When God converts a sinner, and translates him into the state of grace, he frees him from his natural bondage under sin,^a and by his grace alone enables him freely to will and to do that which is spiritually good;^b yet so as that, by reason of his remaining corruption, he doth not perfectly, nor only, will that which is good, but doth also will that which is evil.^c

a. John 8:34, 36; Col 1:13. • b. Rom 6:18, 22; Phil 2:13. • c. Rom 7:15, 18-19, 21, 23; Gal 5:17.

5. The will of man is made perfectly and immutably free to good alone, in the state of glory only.^a

a. Eph 4:13; Heb 12:23; 1 John 3:2; Jude 1:24.

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

Have a blessed Lord’s Day.

\Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁸ …having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints. ¹⁹ and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might.” (Ephesians 1:18-19 (ESV)

Paul prayed that the Ephesian believers in Christ would possess an increasing and lasting understanding of the Scriptures. This understanding, or enlightenment, unto biblical truth would extend to three particular areas of the believer’s life in Christ. What are those three areas?

First, “that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you.” Second, “that you may know…, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.” Third, “that you may know…what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might.”

What are believers to know (οἶδα; oida), understand, comprehend and remember?  The factual knowledge the believer is to also know is the immeasurable greatness of God’s power to each and every believer in Christ. This supreme and surpassing greatness of God’s unique and exclusive ability is extended to all believers. It is without measure. In other words, it is extraordinary.

Dr. John Walvoord says, “The word “power” (dynamis; cf. 3:20) means a spiritually dynamic and living force. This power of God is directed toward believers.” This power is God’s ability to regenerate, redeem, justify, adopt, indwell, sanctify and ultimately glorify each and every believer in Christ. This power changes the sinner’s status from an object of God’s holy wrath (Romans 1:18-32; Ephesians 2:1-3), to become a believer in Christ who is an object of His holy love (I John 4:7-12).

This accomplishment is through the working of God’s great might. The Lord’s powerful strength functions and accomplishes what God intends for it to accomplish: the salvation of a spiritually dead and wicked sinner into a holy and righteous child of God.

Take the time today to pray that God would open the eyes of your heart and provide you a deeper understanding of this biblical truth. Have a blessed day. Take time to thank God for calling you by His grace alone, through God given faith alone, unto eternal life in Christ alone

Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁸ …having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints. ¹⁹ and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might.” (Ephesians 1:18-19 (ESV)

Paul prayed that the Ephesian believers in Christ would possess an increasing and lasting understanding of the Scriptures. This understanding, or enlightenment, unto biblical truth would extend to three particular areas of the believer’s life in Christ. What are those three areas?

First, “that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you.” Second, “that you may know…, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.”

Again, to know (οἶδα; oida) means to understand, comprehend and remember. It is a factual knowledge. What the believer is to also know are the riches of His glorious inheritance. God is the subject. It is His inheritance. We, as believers in Christ, are the Lord’s inheritance. Paul calls believers saints (ἅγιος; hagios). Believers in Christ are God’s holy and dedicated people. This is a soul stirring truth to grasp and comprehend.

Dr. John Walvoord writes, “God will inherit those whom He has purchased at a great price according to the riches of His grace (v. 7). This is the second of six times in Ephesians in which Paul referred to “riches” (1:7, 18; 2:4, 7; 3:8, 16). In 1:14 Paul wrote that the Christians’ “inheritance” is their final redemption from the presence of sin. Here in verse 18 he wrote about God’s inheritance, the saints themselves! Because of the “glorious grace” (v. 6) of “the glorious Father” (v. 17), He will receive “His glorious inheritance” (v. 18).”

Take the time today to pray that God would open the eyes of your heart and provide you a deeper understanding of this biblical truth. Have a blessed day. Take time to thank God for calling you by His grace alone, through God given faith alone, unto eternal life in Christ alone

Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁸ …having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints. ¹⁹ and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might.” (Ephesians 1:18-19 (ESV)

Paul prayed that the Ephesian believers in Christ would possess an increasing and lasting understanding of the Scriptures. This understanding, or enlightenment, unto biblical truth would extend to three particular areas of the believer’s life in Christ. What are those three areas?

First, “that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you.” The verb know (οἶδα; oida) means to have a knowledge, understanding and remembrance. This knowledge began at a particular point in time in the believer’s past and has continuing results unto eternity. This refers, in the context, to the effectual calling by God of the sinner unto salvation.

This results in hope (ἐλπίς; elpis) or a confident expectation that God will keep His promise of eternal life to those He has called. “Hope” in Scripture is the absolute certainty of a believer’s victory in God (cf. Rom. 8:23–24; Eph. 4:4; Col. 1:5; 1 Thess. 1:3; 1 Peter 3:15).

The word called (κλῆσις; klesis), as previously stated, refers to the effectual call of God unto salvation. This results in a new relationship. This call is by God and God alone. He alone is the author of the believer’s salvation (cf. Rom. 1:6; 8:30; Eph. 4:1, 4; 2 Tim. 1:9).

Take the time today to pray that God would open the eyes of your heart and provide you a deeper understanding of biblical truth. Take time to thank God for calling you by His grace alone, through God given faith alone, unto eternal life in Christ alone. Have a blessed day.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁸ …having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.” (Ephesians 1:18 (ESV)

The Apostle Paul continued to pray that the Ephesian Christ followers would have the eyes of their hearts enlightened. What did he mean by this statement?

To begin with, the word eyes (ὀφθαλμός; ophthalmos) is used metaphorically to mean understanding and perception. The believers understanding and perception extends to the very core of their being: their heart. Heart (καρδία; kardia) is also used metaphorically to refer to the believer’s intellect, emotions and will.

Paul prayed that the Ephesian believers would have their complete understanding of salvation enlightened. The word enlightened (φωτίζω; photizo) means to reveal or to make plain. Paul desired that they would receive from God a permanent understanding of biblical truth.

Dr. Kenneth Weust writes, “The words, “being enlightened,” are a perfect participle in the Greek text, referring to a past complete act having present results. The translation reads, “The eyes of your heart having been enlightened with the present result that they are in a state of illumination.” That is, Paul is praying that a permanent work of the Holy Spirit be done in the human spirits of these saints, that their inner spiritual capacities for understanding the truth may be the recipients of a lasting benefit.”

What benefit is gained by understanding biblical truth? Dr. R.C. Sproul answers the question when he writes, “The crisis of modern humanity is found in the rupture between the study of human beings and the study of God. When our story is told in isolation or divorced from the story of God, then it (our life) become ‘a tale, told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.’ If we are considered without reference to God, we become a ‘useless passion’ as philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre declared.”

Paul expressed that this enlightenment unto biblical truth would extend to three particular areas of the believer’s life. The first two are mentioned in Ephesians 1:18. The third is found in 1:19. WE will begin to examine all three when next we meet.

Take the time today to pray that God would open the eyes of your heart and provide you a deeper understanding of biblical truth. Have a blessed day.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁶ “I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, ¹⁷ that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him.” (Ephesians 1:16–17 (ESV)

From today’s text, the Apostle Paul engaged in prayer for the Ephesian believers. What God prompted the apostle to pray on behalf of them, also applies to believers today. What was the content of Paul’s prayer and how does it apply to believers today? For the next several days, we are going to examine the content of this prayer.

The purpose of Paul’s prayer is indicated by the conjunction that which introduces what is called a purpose clause. The purpose of this prayer involves each member of the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Paul prayed that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, would give each believer the Spirit of wisdom and revelation. Take notice that the definite article the is used immediately before the proper noun Spirit. Also notice that the noun Spirit is capitalized indicating the translators identification that this is a reference to the Holy Spirit.  

Paul prays that God the Father would give, or provide, each believer in Christ the Spirit of wisdom and revelation. Wisdom (σοφία; Sophia) refers to the practical application of God’s Word by the believer into their life and living. Revelation (ἀποκάλυψις; apokalypsis) means to disclose or reveal for the purpose of greater understanding or illumination.

Paul was not praying that the believers in Ephesus, and by implication believers today, needed to still be indwelt, sealed, baptized, gifted or even filled by the Holy Spirit. With the exception of being repeatedly filled (Ephesians 5:18), all of these benefits of and by the Spirit occur in the believer’s life at the point of conversion.

Rather, Paul was praying for the Spirit’s illumination in the individual Christian. Illumination is the work of the Holy Spirit to help believers in Christ to not only hear and receive God’s Word, but also to properly understand the intended message and meaning of God’s Word. The goal of this understanding is obedient application of the God’s truth in the believer’s life.

I Corinthians 2:9-11 says, “⁹ But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— ¹⁰ these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. ¹¹ For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.”

Dr. R. C. Sproul comments that, “Illumination is not to be confused with revelation. It is commonplace today to hear people speak about private revelations they claim to have received from the Holy Spirit. The work of the Holy Spirit in illumination is not the supplying of new information or fresh revelation beyond those found in sacred Scripture.”   

Spirit wrought illumination is intended to convict and convince believers of the truth of God’s Word, and then to apply that truth into their lives. In other words, the Holy Spirit works through the Word of God, and with the Word of God, but never against the Word of God. Remember, the Word of God is the Holy Spirit’s book (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21).

May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ give each of us today the Spirit of wisdom and revelation. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!