As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. Now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:1–5, 13, NIV 1984).
My Musings – “There but for the grace of God Go I.” You’ve likely heard (maybe even used) this phrase before. It is attributed to English evangelical preacher and martyr, John Bradford (circa 1510–1555), and commonly understood to mean that one has avoided a bad or unpleasant situation and credits the direction, blessings, or assistance to God.
But for the grace of God, “[we] were dead in [our] transgressions and sins.” But for the grace of God, we “once were far away.” But for the grace of God, “we were by nature objects of [God’s] wrath.” But for the grace of God, we would still be “following the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air [Satan].” But for the grace of God, we would still be “gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts.” Grace. Such a small word, with so much incomprehensible meaning.
My Advice – But for the great love of God, there would be no grace. God, the full manifestation of love, loving the unlovely. “Rich in mercy, [making] us alive with Christ.” But for the grace of God. Do you have it? If not, it is freely offered. But only “through the blood of Christ.” Reach out to Him, He is reaching out to you. If you do have it, look at all the “but fors” you have to be thankful for. Have you thanked Him lately?
The Brew Is A Musing 