I. “And you were DEAD…” (2:1-3).
II. “But God made you ALIVE TOGETHER WITH CHRIST!” (2:4-7).
In v.7, Paul accentuates “the stunning reality that redeemed sinners will bear ceaseless witness to the mercy of God, both now and hereafter. Like waves incessantly crashing on the shore, one upon another, so the ages of eternity future will, in endless succession, echo the celebration of sinners saved by grace, all to the glory of God… God is going to put on a continuing and perpetual public display of his ‘grace’ toward us! Heaven is not one grand, momentary flash of excitement followed by an eternity of boredom. Heaven is not going to be an endless series of earthly re-runs! There will be a new episode of divine grace every day! …A new and fresh disclosure of an implication or consequence of God’s mercy, every day. A novel and stunning explanation of the meaning of what God has done for us, without end.”—Sam Storms, One Thing (171)
III. We are saved BY GRACE alone, not by any of our good works (2:8-9).
We are saved BY GRACE through FAITH ALONE. But the faith that saves IS NEVER ALONE.
• Justification (being declared righteous, acceptable by God) is BY FAITH ALONE, apart from works.
• NO ONE is declared righteous before God on the basis of their sanctification, their good works (Galatians 2:15-16 & Romans 4:1-8).
• However, good works are ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY in the life of a Christian as the EVIDENCE that their faith is genuine, and they have truly been JUSTIFIED by God.
“The best theologians and the best theological statements have always emphasized the scandalous nature of gospel grace and the indispensable need for personal holiness. Faith and good works are both necessary. But one is the root and the other the fruit. God declares us just solely on account of the righteousness of Christ credited (imputed) to us (2 Cor. 5:21). Our innocence in God’s sight is in no way grounded in works of love or acts of charity. Whereas [many Catholics and Protestants] might answer the question ‘What must I do to be saved?’ by saying, ‘Repent, believe, and live in charity,’ the apostle Paul answers the same exact question with, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved…’ (Acts 16:31). Getting right with God is entirely and only dependent upon faith.”—Kevin DeYoung, The Hole in Our Holiness (28-29)
“Whereas every other salesman finds that he cannot get his customers up to his price, my difficulty is that I cannot get my customers down to mine; they will still higgle and haggle to do something, be something, or promise something, whereas here are the terms, and the only terms upon which gospel grace is to be had, ‘without money and without price.’ You may have it freely, but God will have none of your bargaining.”—Charles Spurgeon
IV. We are saved FOR GOOD WORKS (2:10).