Exploring the Scripture

The letter to the Ephesians, traditionally credited to Paul, is considered by most scholars to have been written by followers of Paul. Often used during Lent, it is a significant text faithful to Paul’s understanding of God and God’s gift to humankind realized through Jesus Christ. The Ephesian letter is a rich reflection on the path of transformation experienced by those who follow Jesus. Although the setting of the message is first-century Greek culture, it contains timeless truths and poignant connections for every generation of disciples, regardless of their frame of reference.

The author candidly describes the reality of life before, from the viewpoint of one who experienced coming alive in Christ. The world’s ways and succumbing to the passions and desires of the flesh result in a living death. These can be revealed in countless ways. Some we control, and others we don’t. For example, circumstances or choices hold us captive to ourselves or society. No condemnation is intended in this part of the passage.

The passage offers a bold look at the reality of the world into which we are born
(vv. 1–3). There is a sincere recognition of the struggles, challenges, and suffering inherent in the human condition. We are all connected by that condition. Beyond that, the systemic nature of power and potential negative effect on human life is named and called into account.

Amid the world’s reality, the God of mercy and grace extended boundless love and grace through Jesus Christ. We were raised (resurrection) with him to experience transformation from living death to being “made…alive together with Christ” (v. 5), saved by grace.

The message is clear. God’s gift is given freely in love. It is not given in response to anything we do ourselves to earn it through “works” (v. 9). The good works we do as faithful followers of Christ naturally flow into our actions as we embrace all the dimensions of Christ’s salvation. Good works become “our way of life” (v. 10).

This journey of redemption affects both individual and community life. Coming alive in Christ brings healing and wholeness into our personal lives, allowing us to see the world’s ills. As we embody Christ in our new life of good works, we are empowered to effect transformation and change in our families, cities, and nations. During Lent, this passage provides a lens through which we can look inward and outward, and reflect on life before Christ and life after, life with and in Christ.

Project Zion Podcast

Co-hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.

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Central Ideas

1. We are made alive in Christ through God’s great love and become doers of Christ’s redemptive work.
2. We experience the already-but-not-yet hope of redemption found in the resurrection through God’s gift of mercy and love.
3. God’s gift is shared freely, not as a reward for good works. Good works flow out of life in Christ.

Questions to Consider

1. What forces in our world today affect a living death in people and communities?
2. How have you experienced or witnessed God’s merciful love amid weakness, struggle, or temptation in a way that transformed death into becoming alive in Christ?
3. How are good works an expression of being made alive in Christ and bringing healing ministry of transformation to our world (as individuals and as a community of faith)?