When, “You were living in YOUR SINS and LAWLESS WAYS. But in fact, you WERE DEAD (spiritually). You used to live as sinners when you FOLLOWED the ways of this world. You SERVED THE ONE who rules over the SPIRITUAL FORCES OF EVIL (Satan). He is the spirit who is now at work in those who DON’T OBEY GOD. At one time WE ALL LIVED AMONG THEM (“All have sinned…” (Romans 3:23)). We tried to satisfy what our sinful nature wanted to do. We followed its longings and thoughts. God was angry with us and everyone else because of THE KIND OF PEOPLE WE WERE.” (Ephesians 2:1-3)
Paul is describing our SPIRITUAL STATE before we were “SAVED”, or “BORN AGAIN.” Because “The WAGES (opsōnion: metaphorically hire or payment) OF SIN is DEATH…” (Romans 6:23) This “death” is thanatos in Greek it means, separation from God “FOREVER”, eternal damnation. This is the GUARANTEED DESTINATION for every UNSAVED person! The Bible says, “For ALL HAVE SINNED and fall short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23) EVERY ONE OF US, “…were living in OUR SINS and LAWLESS WAYS!”
John tells us this, “Here is how you can tell the difference between the CHILDREN OF GOD and the CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL. Those who DON’T DO WHAT IS RIGHT DO NOT BELONG TO GOD. Those who DON’T LOVE their brothers and sisters DO NOT BELONG TO GOD EITHER.” (1 John 3:10)
How do we make sure we BELONG TO GOD, that we are saved? “Confess or say with your mouth, “JESUS IS LORD.” Believe in your heart that GOD RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD. Then YOU WILL BE SAVED. With your heart YOU BELIEVE and are made right with God. With your mouth YOU CONFESS that Jesus is Lord. And so, you are saved.” (Romans 10:9-10) “Repent (metanoeō: to change one’s intention), then, and TURN TO GOD, so that your sins may be WIPED OUT, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord…” (Acts 3:19)
“…THERE IS JOY IN THE PRESENCE OF THE ANGELS OF GOD OVER ONE SINNER WHO REPENTS.“ (Luke 15:10)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham