Scripture References: Ephesians 2:1-10; Proverbs 17:15; Romans 4:5; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Colossians 2:13-14; John 1:14; John 8:1-11

Intro: Welcome! Today we dive into Ephesians 2, the heart of the Christian faith, explaining our journey from spiritual death to life in Christ. Continuing our Ephesians series (Theme: Stand, Walk, War), we recall that our position in Christ (Ch 1-3) precedes our practice (Ch 4-6). Unlike the world (Do -> Have -> Be), God establishes our identity first (Be -> Have -> Do), just as Jesus was declared God's Son before His public ministry. Our secure position is based on today's topic: Justification.

Key Points:

1. The Dilemma & Doctrine of Justification:
   • How can a just God declare the ungodly righteous (Prov 17:15 vs. Rom 4:5)? The answer is justification – the foundation of our standing with God.
   • The Great Exchange (2 Cor 5:21): God made Jesus, who knew no sin, to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. He takes our sin; we receive His righteousness.
   • Jesus took the penalty (death) we deserved. For those who accept His sacrifice, no penalty remains (Col 2:13-14).
2. Our Condition Without Christ (Eph 2:1-3):
   • The Hard Truth: We often resist acknowledging the depth of our sinfulness ("And YOU..."). We suppress the truth about our condition.
   • Spiritually Dead: We were "dead in trespasses and sins" – both commission (wrong actions) and omission (failing to do right). Dead means utterly incapable of saving ourselves.
   • Under Hostile Influences: We followed the ways of the world, the "ruler of the air" (Satan), and the desires of our sinful nature.
   • Objects of Wrath: By nature, because of sin (which is primarily against a holy God), we deserved God's righteous judgment.
3. God's Gracious Solution (Eph 2:4-10):
   • "But God...": The pivotal phrase. Motivated by rich mercy and great love.
   • Made Alive With Christ: While we were still dead, God initiated and made us spiritually alive together with Christ.
   • Raised & Seated With Christ: God raised us from spiritual death and seated us with Christ in the heavenly realms – a position of security and authority.
   • Saved by Grace Through Faith: This entire rescue is a gift received by grace (unmerited favor) through faith (trusting in Christ), not by our works or efforts.
   • Created for Good Works: Though not saved by works, we are saved for them. We are God's "workmanship" (poem), created in Christ to do good works He prepared for us.
4. Grace AND Truth (John 1:14):
   • Grace (divine assistance) requires acknowledging the truth of our need. Jesus embodied both fully.
   • Truth without grace leads to legalism; grace without truth leads to compromise. We need the truth of our condition (Eph 2:1-3) to fully appreciate and receive the grace of God's solution (Eph 2:4-10).

Conclusion: Ephesians 2 powerfully contrasts our desperate state apart from Christ (dead, under wrath) with God's astounding grace. Through the "great exchange" in Jesus, God justifies us – declares us righteous – making us alive, raising us up, and seating us with Christ solely by His grace through our faith. This is the unshakable foundation of our position and hope.

Call to Action: Have you experienced this transition from death to life? Have you accepted the "great exchange" – your sin for Christ's righteousness? Acknowledge the truth of your need before God. If you

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