Ephesians 2:1-10

Ephesians 2:1-10

[1] And  dead  in trespasses  and  sins;  [2] Wherein  in time past  ye walked  according to  the course  world,  according to  the prince  of the power  of the air,  the spirit  that now  worketh  in  the children  of disobedience:  [3] Among  whom  also  all  had our conversation  in times past  in  the lusts  flesh,  fulfilling  the desires  of the flesh  and  of the mind;  and  by nature  the children  of wrath,  even  as  others.  [4] But  God,  rich  in  mercy,  for  his  great  love  wherewith  he loved  [5] Even  dead  in sins,  hath quickened us together with  Christ,  (by grace  saved;)  [6] And  hath raised us up together,  and  made us sit together  in  heavenly  places in  Christ  Jesus:  [7] That  in  the ages  to come  he might shew  the exceeding  riches  of his  grace  in  his kindness  toward  through  Christ  Jesus.  [8] For  by grace  saved  through  faith;  and  not  of  it is the gift  of God:  [9] Not  of  works,  any man  should boast.  [10] For  his  workmanship,  created  in  Christ  Jesus  unto  good  works,  which  God  hath before ordained  that  we should walk  in  them. 

What does Ephesians 2:1-10 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Paul proceeded to conclude his revelation of the Christian"s individual calling in Christ ( Ephesians 1:3 to Ephesians 2:10). He began this section of the epistle by explaining the purpose of our calling (i.e, the glory of God, Ephesians 1:3-14). He then expounded the means whereby we appreciate our calling (i.e, knowledge given by the Holy Spirit through God"s Revelation , Ephesians 1:15-23). Finally, He enunciated the motive for our calling (i.e, the unmerited grace of God, Ephesians 2:1-10).
These verses continue the theme of redemption ( Ephesians 1:7). This pericope is a condensation of Paul"s exposition of redemption in Romans. Whereas we were once dead to God ( Ephesians 2:1-3), we are now alive in God ( Ephesians 2:4-10).
". . . what Paul does in this passage is to paint a vivid contrast between what man is by nature and what he can become by grace." [1]
"Having described our spiritual possessions in Christ, Paul turns to a complementary truth: our spiritual position in Christ. First he explains what God has done for all sinners in general; then he explains what God did for the Gentiles in particular." [2]