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The merciful God renews sinners (Ephesians 2:4-5)
Ephesians 2:4-5
2:4 “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (for by grace you have been saved)” (Eph. 2:4-5).
The apostle´s diagnosis of Greeks and Romans, on the one hand, and of Jews and Jewish Christians, on the other hand, was shocking, for he had to tell both groups: you are already dead –all of you! Every one of you represents a hopeless case – corrupt to the very last cell of your bodies! Your souls, too, have given up the spirit and foreign spirits have taken up residence in you.
Yet Paul possessed one last and vital therapy. He wrote to the suffering: “But God! He still exists! He is not only our righteous Judge but also our merciful Father! He loves you personally, and however great your offence might be, however manifold your unrighteousness, His love is greater still. His mercy knows no end. His compassion is deep and profound enough to overcome every depression. The grace of God reaches farther than our minds can grasp.
The apostle did not repeat the joyous news of the forgiveness of our sins, for he had already exalted and worshiped the Father in heaven for this splendid reality in his introduction (Eph. 1:7-8). The churches in and about Ephesus well knew that Jesus, as the Lamb of God, had carried away the sin of the world (John 1:29). This fact of salvation had already penetrated their hearts. They had gladly accepted their justification in Christ and, by faith, had truly experienced the forgiveness of their sins. They were full of jubilation and thanksgiving, having joined together with the apostle in the prayer of worship and adoration at the beginning of his letter.
We hope that many will have memorized the concentrated explanation of Dr. Martin Luther concerning the second article of faith. We will change just a few words contained therein and trust that all who have memorized the powerful original will recognize the difference: We believe …that Jesus Christ is our Lord, and that He redeemed us as lost and condemned people, who purchased and redeemed us from all sin, from death and the power of the devil, not with gold or silver, but with His holy and precious blood, by His innocent suffering and death… so that we might be His own and dwell with Him in His kingdom, serving Him in eternal righteousness, innocence and bliss, just as He Himself rose from the dead and lives and reigns in eternity. This is most certainly true”. Perhaps we need to ask whether this merciful confession was first and foremost written for church council members and the pastor, or if it was intended for one of their youth groups. Are these words more fitting for women and girls or are they also for a missionary team? Whoever contemplates this Reformation creed will soon transform the understanding God gives him into prayer.
The mighty grace regarding the objective fact of salvation, and the possibility of a subjective appropriation of salvation, remain pragmatic facts. In the event someone should receive a check for a million U.S. dollars with his name written on it, this amount would, objectively speaking, be his own. He could, however, not have the amount paid out to him until he countersigns the check. By so doing he ascertains that he has received the amount paid out in cash. It is similar with the forgiveness of our sins. Jesus, the Crucified One, took the sin of all mankind upon Himself, suffering the just punishment of this sin in our place. Yet this perfect forgiveness is not realized in individual sinners until they believe on the grace of their forgiveness and accept it as an act of their will and gratitude. Jesus need not die again for individual sinners, for He completed salvation for all mankind. However, this right and privilege must first be believed, and then transformed into worship and gratitude. Otherwise this right of salvation is not realised in the individual. Theoretically we may offer this perfect salvation, along with the forgiveness of sins, to all Jews, Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists. We can comfort them with the truth of this great right. If they believe it they will be saved; if, however, they do not believe it, they forfeit and lose salvation, so long as they do not turn from their sin and trust Jesus (Mark 16:16). The privilege of total forgiveness of all our sins through the Gospel is a unique and solitary fact. No other religion is capable of offering such a grand truth.
Prayer: Father in heaven, we thank You that Your Son Jesus Christ so loved corrupt sinners that He was willing to become a man. He did this in order to die in our place, that He might redeem us to You. We worship You for this merciful justification. At the same time, we ask for the grace of repentance and true faith for both our friends and enemies, so that Your power might save them, too. Amen.
Questions:
- How can a person be freed from his sin?
- What is the difference between the fact of objective salvation and the subjective appropriation of this salvation?