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Q16. (Ephesians 1:4-5) In verses 4 and 5, which words describe God's motivation and character?

Love, Mercy and Grace

Which verbs describe what has happened to us in Christ?

‘made alive’ ‘saved’

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Q16. (Ephesians 2:4-5) In verses 4 and 5, which words describe God's motivation and character? Which verbs describe what has happened to us in Christ? 
We were dead in our sins, we were rebels against Him, we were enslaved by Satan, the world and our sinful natures. “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8). God’s motivation is His great love for us, as well as His mercy and His grace. We were under God’s wrath, and only His love could triumph over wrath. We were dead, and so helpless to save ourselves, that only His mercy could reach the helpless. We deserved nothing but judgment, and only His grace could rescue us. Because He had great love for us, and He was rich in mercy toward us, He provided a way, through His own unmerited favour, for us to return to Him. Being spiritually dead, in rebellion against Him, and in bondage to sin we definitely did not deserve His grace, and since the wages of sin is death (Rom 6:23), His mercy prevented us getting what we deserve – death. It has been said that grace involves God giving believers what they do not deserve, and mercy means that God does not give what is deserved. Although we were dead in our transgressions, God made us alive together with Christ. That is saved by grace giving us new spiritual life. Unlimited mercy, grace, and love describe His character. 
 

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If I were to lay this verse out in clauses, it would be something like this:

God

---- because of his great love 

----------for us

---- made us alive

--------with Christ

------------even when we were dead

---------------- in transgressions

It is by (His) grace you have been saved.

 

So, the first part of this section describes God's character; the second part describes God's action. The essential meaning of the verse can be created by combining the first and second headings:

You have been saved by God's grace.

 

 

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On 7/23/2006 at 9:29 PM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q16. (Ephesians 1:4-5) In verses 4 and 5, which words describe God's motivation and character? Which verbs describe what has happened to us in Christ?

His mercy, love and grace.

Even when dead in trespasses and sins, He has quickened us together with Christ.

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Words 'love' and 'good pleasure of his will" describe God's character and motivation.  It was due to the wonderful love of the Father that we were chosen in connection with Christ's work and office as Mediator....even before man was created.   Divine sovereignty!   Predestinatinated (proorisas). We were called to be a sanctified and elect people.  We are called to the restoration of love wrought by God.

We are reading that this adoption to  children of God through Christ is a privilege.  We are offered this gift of adoption; it is not another spurious myth like those myths taught in the Temple of Diana.  The Ephesians were taught all sorts of fables about idols.   Now St Paul is stressing that this is the reason to give God the praise; we have accepted God's offer of salvation.

"Chosen"----eklego....."predestinated" proorizo.    These two words are crucial in our study.  We see that there is a definite predetermination that God's plan of salvation wouldn't falter. Our adoption and our walk are both secured by Christ. 

 

 

 

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