Saved by Grace through Faith

Ephesians 2:4-10

Introduction

1.      Beginning the year on a positive note with Paul’s statement concerning God’s grace

2.      Please note Rom 6:23

3.      God wants us to know where we stand with Him – 1 John 5:13

4.      That knowledge is based on an understanding of the grace and mercy of God  

Discussion

1.      Dead in our transgressions

a.       To be “dead” is to be without power to effect any change – it includes the idea of a separation  

b.      Transgressions – a fault, an offense against God, does not refer to the breaking of a “law”  

c.       The failure of “modern man” to understand the nature of sin – Rom 1:26-32  

d.      The gospel is good news only as we understand the full consequences of sin  

2.      God is rich in mercy

a.       To be rich is to have unlimited resources  

b.      Here, God’s riches are in mercy  

c.       What would our world be like if people were “rich in mercy”  

d.      Paul uses himself as an example – 1 Tim 1:13 – note verse 15  

e.       John 3:16; 1 John 2:1-2;  Acts 2:21  

3.      He made us alive

a.       Physical life comes from God  

b.      Spiritual life also comes from God  

c.       By birth we are “children of wrath”  

d.      By the new birth we are “children of God”  

Conclusion

1.       While sin is a terrible thing, God has an answer:  His mercy

2.      Consider what Paul wrote:  2 Tim 4:7-8

3.      God has given believers the “right to become” children of God – John 1:12