“...having No Hope, and Without God In the World:” Ephesians 2:12
Posted: Wednesday, February 09, 2011
by Joel Hendon
http://hebronics.org/index.html
This is a sad and frightening phrase from the letter the Apostle Paul wrote to the Gentile brethren residing and worshipping in Ephesus. Of course, he is making reference to their past and contrasting it with their present condition.
They had previously lived under the old ‘patriarchal system’ which was in effect from the beginning of time. Where God had spoken to the patriarchs and laid out his commands and rules for their fathers many generations ago. Virtually all who were under that law, had completely abandoned God. They were not Jews so they were not given the Law of Moses as were the Israelites. Here is he scripture in it’s context:
The verses preceding the above passage has caused much confusion, especially among those who wish to have a free ride into eternal bliss. Let’s just read them all so as to have the entirety before us. I have made a few short remarks in them, enclosed in brackets:
And you hath he quickened, [made alive] who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace [unmerited favor] ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, [Notice that ‘works’] lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, [Compare this ’works’ with the first one] which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:1-10 KJV)
Numerous people, when considering having faith as meaning that it is the only thing necessary for one to be saved. That’s wrong. Faith is absolutely necessary, but there are many other things which are just as necessary. If faith alone saves, where then does the grace come in? We have to have the grace of God to be saved. What about the blood of Christ? Can we be saved without the blood of Christ? No, no one can. Even the fathers of old, before Christ, could not completely rid themselves of their sins. Until He died on the cross. What about repentance? Can one be saved without repentance? Of course not. If one refuses to confess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, can he be saved? He cannot.
The fact of the matter is, you cannot pick and choose what you would like to do to be saved in eternity. Jesus confirms that in the book of Matthew.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:21-23 KJV)
So never read something the Bible tells one to do, and then say, well you don’t have to do that. You don’t have to do anything it says, but if you wish to spend eternity with God, you must do everything that you possibly can, that he says to do. And that includes the “good works” above in the quote from the Ephesians letter.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)Joel, this article is spot on! I'm sorry I didn't I see it earlier. It is a breath of fresh air against the backdrop of all the New Age mumbo jumbo that pervades this site. Amazingly, many so-called Christians seem to be going along with that garbage these days. Satan is such a deceiver. Keep speaking the truth, Joel. The way to salvation is only through Jesus. Period. End of sentence.
Thank you Terry, I do appreciate your comments. I realize as I grow older that there is nothing left for me, to speak of, here on this earth, and I plan to do everthing I possibly can to assure my, and hopefully my family's, residence in heaven. And I am not so naive as to think I can just coast in.
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