Ephesians 2:4
Verse
Context
Alive with Christ
3All of us also lived among them at one time, fulfilling the cravings of our flesh and indulging its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath.4But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved!
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But God, who is rich in mercy - As they were corrupt in their nature, and sinful in their practice, they could possess no merit, nor have any claim upon God; and it required much mercy to remove so much misery, and to pardon such transgressions. His great love - God's infinite love is the groundwork of our salvation; in reference to us that love assumes the form of mercy, and that mercy provides the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. And therefore the apostle adds, Eph 2:5 : By grace ye are saved - it is by God's free mercy in Christ that ye are brought into this state of salvation. See on Eph 2:8 (note).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
God, who is rich--Greek "(as) being rich in mercy." for--that is, "because of His great love." This was the special ground of God's saving us; as "rich in mercy" (compare Eph 2:7; Eph 1:7; Rom 2:4; Rom 10:12) was the general ground. "Mercy takes away misery; love confers salvation" [BENGEL].
John Gill Bible Commentary
But God, who is rich in mercy,.... Mercy is a perfection of the divine nature, and is essential to God; and may be considered with respect to the objects of it, either as general, extending to all men in a providential way; or as special, reaching only to some in a way of grace; for though mercy is his nature, yet the display and exertion of it towards any object, is the act of his will; and special mercy, with all the blessings and benefits of it, is only exhibited in Christ Jesus: and God is said to be "rich" in it, because he is free and liberal in dispensing it, and the effects of it; and that to a large number of persons, in great abundance and variety, by various ways, and in divers instances; as in the covenant of grace, in the mission of Christ, in redemption by him, in regeneration, in pardon of sin, and in eternal salvation; and yet it is inexhaustible and perpetual; and this sets forth the excellency and glory of it: for his great love wherewith he loved us; the love of God to his chosen people is very great, if it be considered who it is that has loved them, God and not man; who is an infinite, unchangeable, and sovereign Being; and his love is like himself, for God is love; it has heights and depths, and lengths and breadths immeasurable; it admits of no variation nor alteration; and is altogether free, arising from himself, and not from any motives and conditions in men: and if the persons themselves are considered, who are the objects of it, men, sinful men, unworthy of the divine notice and regard; and that these are loved personally, particularly, and distinctly, and not others; nakedly, and not theirs, or for any thing in them, or done by them, and that notwithstanding their manifold sins and transgressions: to which may be added, that this love is represented as a past act; and indeed it is from everlasting, and is antecedent to their being quickened, and was when they were dead in trespasses and sins; and is the source and spring of the blessing next mentioned: so the divine love is often called in the Cabalistic writings of the Jews (t), , "great love". (t) Zohar in Gen. fol. 8. 4. & in Exod. fol. 102. 3. Lex. Cabal. p. 44. 45.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here the apostle begins his account of the glorious change that was wrought in them by converting grace, where observe, I. By whom, and in what manner, it was brought about and effected. 1. Negatively: Not of yourselves, Eph 2:8. Our faith, our conversion, and our eternal salvation, are not the mere product of any natural abilities, nor of any merit of our own: Not of works, lest any man should boast, Eph 2:9. These things are not brought to pass by any thing done by us, and therefore all boasting is excluded; he who glories must not glory in himself, but in the Lord. There is no room for any man's boasting of his own abilities and power; or as though he had done any thing that might deserve such immense favours from God. 2. Positively: But God, who is rich in mercy, etc., Eph 2:4. God himself is the author of this great and happy change, and his great love is the spring and fontal cause of it; hence he resolved to show mercy. Love is his inclination to do us good considered simply as creatures; mercy respects us as apostate and as miserable creatures. Observe, God's eternal love or good-will towards his creatures is the fountain whence all his mercies vouch-safed to us proceed; and that love of God is great love, and that mercy of his is rich mercy, inexpressibly great and inexhaustibly rich. And then by grace you are saved (Eph 2:5), and by grace are you saved through faith - it is the gift of God, Eph 2:8. Note, Every converted sinner is a saved sinner. Such are delivered from sin and wrath; they are brought into a state of salvation, and have a right given them by grace to eternal happiness. The grace that saves them is the free undeserved goodness and favour of God; and he saves them, not by the works of the law, but through faith in Christ Jesus, by means of which they come to partake of the great blessings of the gospel; and both that faith and that salvation on which it has so great an influence are the gift of God. The great objects of faith are made known by divine revelation, and made credible by the testimony and evidence which God hath given us; and that we believe to salvation and obtain salvation through faith is entirely owing to divine assistance and grace; God has ordered all so that the whole shall appear to be of grace. Observe, II. Wherein this change consists, in several particulars, answering to the misery of our natural state, some of which are enumerated in this section, and others are mentioned below. 1. We who were dead are quickened (Eph 2:5), we are saved from the death of sin and have a principle of spiritual life implanted in us. Grace in the soul is a new life in the soul. As death locks up the senses, seals up all the powers and faculties, so does a state of sin, as to any thing that is good. Grace unlocks and opens all, and enlarges the soul. Observe, A regenerate sinner becomes a living soul: he lives a life of sanctification, being born of God; and he lives in the sense of the law, being delivered from the guilt of sin by pardoning and justifying grace. He hath quickened us together with Christ. Our spiritual life results from our union with Christ; it is in him that we live: Because I live, you shall live also. 2. We who were buried are raised up, Eph 2:6. What remains yet to be done is here spoken of as though it were already past, though indeed we are raised up in virtue of our union with him whom God hath raised from the dead. When he raised Christ from the dead, he did in effect raise up all believers together with him, he being their common head; and when he placed him at his right hand in heavenly places, he advanced and glorified them in and with him, their raised and exalted head and forerunner. - And made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. This may be understood in another sense. Sinners roll themselves in the dust; sanctified souls sit in heavenly places, are raised above the world; the world is as nothing to them, compared with what it has been, and compared with what the other world is. Saints are not only Christ's freemen, but they are assessors with him; by the assistance of his grace they have ascended with him above this world to converse with another, and they live in the constant expectation of it. They are not only servants to the best of masters in the best work, but they are exalted to reign with him; they sit upon the throne with Christ, as he has sat down with his Father on his throne. III. Observe what is the great design and aim of God in producing and effecting this change: And this, 1. With respect to others: That in the ages to come he might show, etc. (Eph 2:7), that he might give a specimen and proof of his great goodness and mercy, for the encouragement of sinners in future time. Observe, The goodness of God in converting and saving sinners heretofore is a proper encouragement to others in after-time to hope in his grace and mercy, and to apply themselves to these. God having this in his design, poor sinners should take great encouragement from it. And what may we not hope for from such grace and kindness, from riches of grace, to which this change is owing? Through Christ Jesus, by and through whom God conveys all his favour and blessings to us. 2. With respect to the regenerated sinners themselves: For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, etc., Eph 2:10. It appears that all is of grace, because all our spiritual advantages are from God. We are his workmanship; he means in respect of the new creation; not only as men, but as saints. The new man is a new creature; and God is its Creator. It is a new birth, and we are born or begotten of his will. In Christ Jesus, that is, on the account of what he has done and suffered, and by the influence and operation of his blessed Spirit. Unto good works, etc. The apostle having before ascribed this change to divine grace in exclusion of works, lest he should seem thereby to discourage good works, he here observes that though the change is to be ascribed to nothing of that nature (for we are the workmanship of God), yet God, in his new creation, has designed and prepared us for good works: Created unto good works, with a design that we should be fruitful in them. Wherever God by his grace implants good principles, they are intended to be for good works. Which God hath before ordained, that is, decreed and appointed. Or, the words may be read, To which God hath before prepared us, that is, by blessing us with the knowledge of his will, and with the assistance of his Holy Spirit; and by producing such a change in us. That we should walk in them, or glorify God by an exemplary conversation and by our perseverance in holiness.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:4-10 By God’s mercy, kindness, and love, those who are joined to Jesus Christ are saved from the terrible consequences of their sin and enjoy the benefits of Christ’s resurrection.
Ephesians 2:4
Alive with Christ
3All of us also lived among them at one time, fulfilling the cravings of our flesh and indulging its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath.4But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved!
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Laodicean Deception
By David Wilkerson5.9K53:43MAT 6:33ROM 2:19EPH 2:4JAS 1:22REV 2:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of heeding the warnings and instructions given by God. He highlights the dangers of gossip and racial prejudice, which have been repeatedly preached about in the church. The preacher shares his personal experience of being consumed by the fear of future events and neglecting the message of the cross. He references Bible verses that warn against refusing instruction and reproof, emphasizing that those who ignore these teachings will face poverty and shame. The sermon concludes with a reminder that all Scripture is profitable for instruction and righteousness, and that it is crucial to listen and learn from God's word.
Genesis
By Jim Cymbala5.9K45:38MercyGenesisRedemptionGEN 38:1MAT 1:3GAL 6:1EPH 2:4TIT 3:5HEB 7:14Jim Cymbala preaches on Genesis 38, focusing on the flawed character of Judah and the messy circumstances surrounding his family. He emphasizes that despite Judah's moral failures, God chose to bring the Messiah through his lineage, illustrating that Jesus came for those who are broken and in need of mercy. The sermon highlights the importance of recognizing our own shortcomings and the grace that God extends to us, encouraging believers to show mercy to others as they have received it themselves. Ultimately, Cymbala reassures that God can turn our messes into something beautiful, reflecting His redemptive power.
Genesis #04 Ch. 1:19-2:3 Life After It's Own Kind
By Chuck Missler5.0K1:33:07DAN 12:3EPH 2:4In this sermon, the speaker discusses various topics related to the design and complexity of the world. They mention the Aswan Dam and its ecological disaster, comparing it to Isaiah 19. The speaker also talks about the human eye as evidence of design and complexity. They mention articles from the Wall Street Journal about the pro-creationist movement gaining momentum. Additionally, the speaker briefly touches on the water cycle and the dangers of hydrogen and oxygen gases.
Complete Salvation and How to Recieve It - Part 3
By Derek Prince3.4K28:30ROM 6:6EPH 2:4COL 3:3This sermon by Derek Prince Ministries focuses on the theme of Complete Salvation and how to receive it. It emphasizes that salvation is a full ongoing process beyond just forgiveness of sins, including healing, deliverance, and eternal life through Christ's sacrifice. The sermon delves into the concept of exchange on the cross, where Jesus took on our sins to offer us His righteousness and blessings. It also explores the idea of identification with Jesus, highlighting the double identification on the cross and the believer's participation in Jesus' death, burial, resurrection, and enthronement.
Are You Tired of Being God?
By Carter Conlon3.0K50:38ROM 4:16EPH 2:4This sermon challenges the listeners to stop trying to be God in their lives and instead surrender to God's promises and grace. It emphasizes the exhaustion and futility of attempting to control one's own destiny and the need to trust in God's supernatural power to transform and bless. The message highlights the transition from the Old Covenant of works to the New Covenant of faith in Christ, where believers are called to accept their righteousness in Christ and live in the victory provided by the cross.
What's Wrong With the Gospel
By Keith Green2.9K01:30ROM 5:8EPH 2:4This sermon emphasizes the unconditional love and acceptance of Jesus Christ towards us, highlighting that He pursued us first, loved us before we loved Him, and gave everything for us despite our unworthiness. It challenges the notion of deserving salvation and focuses on recognizing the immense sacrifice God made for us compared to what we offer in return. The core message is about humbly accepting God's love and grace, acknowledging our sinfulness, and experiencing the miraculous acceptance by Jesus.
Youth Convention at Fairhaven 1964-02 Returning to the Principles
By Major Ian Thomas1.9K56:45PrinciplesROM 8:111CO 15:201CO 15:222CO 5:17EPH 1:18EPH 2:42TI 3:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of God's control over our minds, emotions, and will. He uses an example of being sincerely wrong about the time and missing a plane to illustrate the need for God's guidance. The speaker then discusses the concept of being raised from the dead, explaining that salvation means having life restored to the lifeless. He also highlights the dual relationship of love and dependence on God that humans are meant to have, contrasting it with Satan's attitude of independence. Finally, the speaker discusses the three parts of human beings - the body, soul, and spirit - and the need for sanctification in all three areas.
God's Riches in Glory
By Charles E. Fuller1.7K50:32Riches In ChristJOS 24:15PSA 23:1HOS 13:9MAT 6:33MRK 4:35ROM 8:31EPH 2:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the transformative power of two words: "but God." These words signify the intervention and mercy of God in the midst of human despair and hopelessness. The speaker encourages the audience to turn to Ephesians 2:4, which highlights God's ability to save and redeem through the precious blood of Jesus. The sermon also acknowledges the faithfulness of God in the speaker's 27 years of radio broadcasting, during which thousands of people have been saved. The sermon concludes with a reminder to keep nothing between one's soul and the Savior, and to embrace the believer's present position in grace as depicted in Ephesians 2:4-10.
The Good Shepherd
By Norman Meeten1.7K1:16:04ShepherdROM 6:62CO 4:6EPH 1:1EPH 2:4EPH 2:8REV 1:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and remembering the teachings of God. He acknowledges that humans can be slow to learn and need repetition to grasp important truths. The preacher warns against being gullible and easily led astray by worldly philosophies, particularly those that are a diluted form of Hinduism. He emphasizes the need for the Holy Spirit to illuminate the truths of the Bible and bring them to life in our hearts. The preacher also highlights the invitation to come to Jesus and partake in all that he offers, emphasizing that without receiving him, there is no life. The breaking of bread is mentioned as a reminder of these eternal truths.
Omaha Conference 1983-01 the Love of God - Jeremiah 31:3
By William MacDonald1.4K34:45JER 31:3JHN 3:16ROM 5:8EPH 2:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of giving in the Christian ministry. He highlights that love cannot be fully expressed unless it is put into action and reaches those in need. The speaker refers to Ephesians 4:28, which encourages believers to work with their hands in order to have something to give to those in need. He emphasizes that the Christian ministry is a ministry of giving and that God loves those who give generously. The sermon concludes with a reminder of God's everlasting love and how it should inspire believers to love and give to others.
(Through the Bible) Jeremiah 46-49
By Chuck Smith1.2K1:03:44EPH 2:4In this sermon, the speaker discusses the fulfillment of biblical prophecies in the present day. He highlights the significance of satellite TV, computers, and super weapons as predicted in the Bible. The speaker emphasizes that the prophecies of the Bible are being fulfilled in our world today, which should strengthen the faith of believers. He also mentions the rebirth of the nation of Israel and the predicted invasion by Russia, along with its allies. The speaker concludes that these fulfilled prophecies confirm the accuracy of biblical predictions and affirm God as the author of the book.
Hindrances
By Jim Cymbala1.2K29:32HindrancesMAT 6:33ACT 20:27EPH 2:41TH 2:182TI 4:7JAS 4:71PE 5:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a soldier for God and facing discouragements and hindrances with determination. He shares personal experiences of facing discouragement and wanting to quit, but ultimately persevering. The speaker also highlights the love and longing that a minister should have for their congregation, using the example of Paul's love for his disciples. Lastly, the speaker warns about the tactics of Satan, who tries to hinder believers from fulfilling their calling and encourages the audience to rely on the Word of God for faith and strength.
Getting Back to Basics: The Love We Had at First
By Robert Wurtz II1.2K44:42EPH 1:15EPH 2:4EPH 3:17EPH 3:19EPH 4:2EPH 4:16EPH 5:1EPH 5:25EPH 6:23In this sermon, the speaker continues their study on getting back to basics. They discuss the importance of becoming fishers of men and evangelizing to win souls for God. The speaker then introduces a new subject titled "the love that we had at first." They highlight the story of the church at Ephesus, who had once had a great love for Christ but gradually lost it. The speaker emphasizes the need for Christians to retrace their steps and rediscover their first love for God, as it is a travesty to give that love to someone or something else.
Why Do We Need to Be Born Again? Part 1
By John Piper1.2K41:14EPH 2:4This sermon emphasizes the necessity of being born again through the new birth, highlighting the spiritual deadness and resistance to God inherent in humanity. It delves into the deep need for divine intervention to make us alive, showcasing the richness of God's mercy, the greatness of His love, and the sovereign grace required for regeneration.
First Love
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.1K26:56DevotionEPH 2:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a passionate love for God. He explains that when we were dead in our sins, God's great love for us ignited a fire within us. This fire of love for God should drive us to shout His praises, share the gospel, and be fervent in prayer. The speaker compares this love to the rising sun, which dispels darkness and dominates everything. He encourages listeners to prioritize their love for Jesus above all else, as it is what truly matters to God.
Walking Daily in the Light of God's Eternal Purpose
By Stephen Kaung9541:19:55ISA 50:11JHN 1:4ROM 6:4EPH 2:41JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having life in order to walk in the ways of God. He explains that if we only have the natural, fallen life inherited from Adam, our walk will be influenced by our own desires and conscience. However, if we have received the new life in Christ, we can walk according to the light of His life within us. The speaker also discusses the eternal purpose of God and how it applies to believers, highlighting the need for daily walking in the light of this purpose. He encourages listeners to embrace the newness of life in Christ and to continually walk with the Lord, even through times of crisis and decision-making.
How to Satisfy Your Unmet Need
By David Wilkerson6821:00:22Christian LifeJHN 3:16ROM 5:8EPH 2:41JN 4:8In this sermon, the preacher focuses on First John, verse 16. The verse emphasizes the understanding and belief in the love that God has for us. It highlights the fact that God is love and anyone who truly loves the world will experience eternal life through God. The preacher repeats the phrase "And we have understood and believed the love that God had to us" multiple times to emphasize the importance of comprehending and accepting God's love. The sermon encourages listeners to reflect on the depth of God's love and to have faith in His love for humanity.
Become Merciful Just as Your Father Is Merciful
By Ian Robson62356:13EPH 2:4This sermon emphasizes the importance of God's mercy, highlighting how God's mercy is slow to anger, full of compassion, and willing to forgive. It stresses the need for believers to be merciful to others, not just in forgiveness but also in showing compassion and lifting others up. The message encourages cheerful and wholehearted mercy, reflecting God's character, and calls for a response of offering oneself as a living sacrifice in gratitude for God's mercy.
God Is a Loving Heavenly Father
By Zac Poonen5521:06:14PSA 84:11ISA 58:9MAT 7:11LUK 11:13EPH 2:4This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeing God as a loving Father who cares deeply for His children. It challenges believers to view God from a heavenly perspective, understanding His eagerness to fulfill His promises and provide for their needs. The message highlights the need to have faith that God is more eager to give than we are to receive, encouraging a shift from unbelief to trust in God's goodness and provision.
We Were Children of Wrath
By Tim Conway5451:06:35EPH 2:4This sermon delves into the concept of being children of wrath, emphasizing the desperate condition of mankind and the imminent wrath of God. It highlights the need for a hiding place in Christ to escape the wrath and emphasizes the power of God's love and mercy to overcome His anger. The sermon stresses the seriousness of sin, the impending judgment, and the necessity of repentance and faith in Christ as the only refuge from God's wrath.
Jacob Moves to Bethel
By Chuck Smith43225:09JacobGEN 35:1EPH 2:4In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses Jacob's move to Bethel as described in Genesis 35:1. God instructs Jacob to go to Bethel and dwell there. Jacob takes a strong spiritual stand and tells his family to get rid of their foreign gods and cleanse themselves. Pastor Chuck emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God's word in our lives and the patience of God in waiting for us to turn back to Him. He encourages listeners to remember that no matter how far they may feel from peace, they are only one step away from God.
Seated in the Heavenlies, Walking #2
By Leonard Ravenhill611:15:36Christian LifeTransformation in ChristWalking In The SpiritEPH 2:4Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the profound transformation that occurs when one is quickened by God's grace, moving from spiritual death to life in Christ. He highlights the importance of walking in the Spirit, living a life that reflects the wealth of God's grace, and the necessity of walking worthy of our calling. Ravenhill draws parallels between the lives of biblical figures like Enoch and Abraham, illustrating how their walks with God were marked by faith and obedience. He challenges believers to recognize their identity in Christ and to live out their faith actively, as the Christian life is a journey of continual growth and reliance on God's strength. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of our covenant with God and the responsibilities that come with it.
Beholding God's Beauty: Encountering God's Personality
By Mike Bickle1850:04Transformation through God's WordBeholding God's BeautyEXO 33:19PSA 139:14ISA 40:28JHN 17:26ROM 1:172CO 3:18EPH 2:4Mike Bickle emphasizes the beauty of God and the importance of beholding His glory as a means of transformation. He explains that as we gaze upon God's beauty through His Word and creation, we are gradually transformed into His image, highlighting the partnership between our beholding and the Holy Spirit's work. Bickle stresses that understanding God's personality—His mercy, grace, and long-suffering—awakens love and affection in our hearts towards Him. He encourages believers to engage in a dialogue with God while studying the Scriptures, turning the reading into a conversation that deepens our relationship with Him. Ultimately, Bickle reminds us that God's goodness and character are the foundation of our faith and transformation.
Oh, the Atrocity!
By C.H. Spurgeon0SinGrace and MercyDAN 9:8ROM 3:23EPH 2:4C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the gravity of sin, particularly for those who have experienced God's grace and forgiveness. He reflects on the shame that accompanies our ungratefulness and lack of fruitfulness despite being favored by God. Spurgeon highlights the atrocity of sin committed by those who have been pardoned, noting that such sins are more heinous than those of the unrepentant. He calls believers to bow before God, recognizing their natural sinfulness and to worship Him for His grace, mercy, and love that saves and spares us from judgment.
The Spirit of Love - Part 2
By William Law0God's LoveNature of WrathPSA 136:1JHN 3:16ROM 5:8EPH 2:41JN 4:8William Law discusses the nature of God as an infinite source of love, emphasizing that God's essence is unchanging and cannot include wrath or anger. He argues that all creatures exist to manifest God's love and goodness, and that any notion of divine wrath arises only from the fallen state of creation, not from God's nature. Law asserts that true goodness and happiness can only be found in the union of the divine life with human existence, and that the concept of wrath attributed to God in scripture must be understood in the context of human disobedience and separation from divine love.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But God, who is rich in mercy - As they were corrupt in their nature, and sinful in their practice, they could possess no merit, nor have any claim upon God; and it required much mercy to remove so much misery, and to pardon such transgressions. His great love - God's infinite love is the groundwork of our salvation; in reference to us that love assumes the form of mercy, and that mercy provides the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. And therefore the apostle adds, Eph 2:5 : By grace ye are saved - it is by God's free mercy in Christ that ye are brought into this state of salvation. See on Eph 2:8 (note).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
God, who is rich--Greek "(as) being rich in mercy." for--that is, "because of His great love." This was the special ground of God's saving us; as "rich in mercy" (compare Eph 2:7; Eph 1:7; Rom 2:4; Rom 10:12) was the general ground. "Mercy takes away misery; love confers salvation" [BENGEL].
John Gill Bible Commentary
But God, who is rich in mercy,.... Mercy is a perfection of the divine nature, and is essential to God; and may be considered with respect to the objects of it, either as general, extending to all men in a providential way; or as special, reaching only to some in a way of grace; for though mercy is his nature, yet the display and exertion of it towards any object, is the act of his will; and special mercy, with all the blessings and benefits of it, is only exhibited in Christ Jesus: and God is said to be "rich" in it, because he is free and liberal in dispensing it, and the effects of it; and that to a large number of persons, in great abundance and variety, by various ways, and in divers instances; as in the covenant of grace, in the mission of Christ, in redemption by him, in regeneration, in pardon of sin, and in eternal salvation; and yet it is inexhaustible and perpetual; and this sets forth the excellency and glory of it: for his great love wherewith he loved us; the love of God to his chosen people is very great, if it be considered who it is that has loved them, God and not man; who is an infinite, unchangeable, and sovereign Being; and his love is like himself, for God is love; it has heights and depths, and lengths and breadths immeasurable; it admits of no variation nor alteration; and is altogether free, arising from himself, and not from any motives and conditions in men: and if the persons themselves are considered, who are the objects of it, men, sinful men, unworthy of the divine notice and regard; and that these are loved personally, particularly, and distinctly, and not others; nakedly, and not theirs, or for any thing in them, or done by them, and that notwithstanding their manifold sins and transgressions: to which may be added, that this love is represented as a past act; and indeed it is from everlasting, and is antecedent to their being quickened, and was when they were dead in trespasses and sins; and is the source and spring of the blessing next mentioned: so the divine love is often called in the Cabalistic writings of the Jews (t), , "great love". (t) Zohar in Gen. fol. 8. 4. & in Exod. fol. 102. 3. Lex. Cabal. p. 44. 45.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here the apostle begins his account of the glorious change that was wrought in them by converting grace, where observe, I. By whom, and in what manner, it was brought about and effected. 1. Negatively: Not of yourselves, Eph 2:8. Our faith, our conversion, and our eternal salvation, are not the mere product of any natural abilities, nor of any merit of our own: Not of works, lest any man should boast, Eph 2:9. These things are not brought to pass by any thing done by us, and therefore all boasting is excluded; he who glories must not glory in himself, but in the Lord. There is no room for any man's boasting of his own abilities and power; or as though he had done any thing that might deserve such immense favours from God. 2. Positively: But God, who is rich in mercy, etc., Eph 2:4. God himself is the author of this great and happy change, and his great love is the spring and fontal cause of it; hence he resolved to show mercy. Love is his inclination to do us good considered simply as creatures; mercy respects us as apostate and as miserable creatures. Observe, God's eternal love or good-will towards his creatures is the fountain whence all his mercies vouch-safed to us proceed; and that love of God is great love, and that mercy of his is rich mercy, inexpressibly great and inexhaustibly rich. And then by grace you are saved (Eph 2:5), and by grace are you saved through faith - it is the gift of God, Eph 2:8. Note, Every converted sinner is a saved sinner. Such are delivered from sin and wrath; they are brought into a state of salvation, and have a right given them by grace to eternal happiness. The grace that saves them is the free undeserved goodness and favour of God; and he saves them, not by the works of the law, but through faith in Christ Jesus, by means of which they come to partake of the great blessings of the gospel; and both that faith and that salvation on which it has so great an influence are the gift of God. The great objects of faith are made known by divine revelation, and made credible by the testimony and evidence which God hath given us; and that we believe to salvation and obtain salvation through faith is entirely owing to divine assistance and grace; God has ordered all so that the whole shall appear to be of grace. Observe, II. Wherein this change consists, in several particulars, answering to the misery of our natural state, some of which are enumerated in this section, and others are mentioned below. 1. We who were dead are quickened (Eph 2:5), we are saved from the death of sin and have a principle of spiritual life implanted in us. Grace in the soul is a new life in the soul. As death locks up the senses, seals up all the powers and faculties, so does a state of sin, as to any thing that is good. Grace unlocks and opens all, and enlarges the soul. Observe, A regenerate sinner becomes a living soul: he lives a life of sanctification, being born of God; and he lives in the sense of the law, being delivered from the guilt of sin by pardoning and justifying grace. He hath quickened us together with Christ. Our spiritual life results from our union with Christ; it is in him that we live: Because I live, you shall live also. 2. We who were buried are raised up, Eph 2:6. What remains yet to be done is here spoken of as though it were already past, though indeed we are raised up in virtue of our union with him whom God hath raised from the dead. When he raised Christ from the dead, he did in effect raise up all believers together with him, he being their common head; and when he placed him at his right hand in heavenly places, he advanced and glorified them in and with him, their raised and exalted head and forerunner. - And made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. This may be understood in another sense. Sinners roll themselves in the dust; sanctified souls sit in heavenly places, are raised above the world; the world is as nothing to them, compared with what it has been, and compared with what the other world is. Saints are not only Christ's freemen, but they are assessors with him; by the assistance of his grace they have ascended with him above this world to converse with another, and they live in the constant expectation of it. They are not only servants to the best of masters in the best work, but they are exalted to reign with him; they sit upon the throne with Christ, as he has sat down with his Father on his throne. III. Observe what is the great design and aim of God in producing and effecting this change: And this, 1. With respect to others: That in the ages to come he might show, etc. (Eph 2:7), that he might give a specimen and proof of his great goodness and mercy, for the encouragement of sinners in future time. Observe, The goodness of God in converting and saving sinners heretofore is a proper encouragement to others in after-time to hope in his grace and mercy, and to apply themselves to these. God having this in his design, poor sinners should take great encouragement from it. And what may we not hope for from such grace and kindness, from riches of grace, to which this change is owing? Through Christ Jesus, by and through whom God conveys all his favour and blessings to us. 2. With respect to the regenerated sinners themselves: For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, etc., Eph 2:10. It appears that all is of grace, because all our spiritual advantages are from God. We are his workmanship; he means in respect of the new creation; not only as men, but as saints. The new man is a new creature; and God is its Creator. It is a new birth, and we are born or begotten of his will. In Christ Jesus, that is, on the account of what he has done and suffered, and by the influence and operation of his blessed Spirit. Unto good works, etc. The apostle having before ascribed this change to divine grace in exclusion of works, lest he should seem thereby to discourage good works, he here observes that though the change is to be ascribed to nothing of that nature (for we are the workmanship of God), yet God, in his new creation, has designed and prepared us for good works: Created unto good works, with a design that we should be fruitful in them. Wherever God by his grace implants good principles, they are intended to be for good works. Which God hath before ordained, that is, decreed and appointed. Or, the words may be read, To which God hath before prepared us, that is, by blessing us with the knowledge of his will, and with the assistance of his Holy Spirit; and by producing such a change in us. That we should walk in them, or glorify God by an exemplary conversation and by our perseverance in holiness.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:4-10 By God’s mercy, kindness, and love, those who are joined to Jesus Christ are saved from the terrible consequences of their sin and enjoy the benefits of Christ’s resurrection.