ALIVE UNTO GOD. The point being made is that the saved are "alive unto God" - i.e. they are responsiveto Him, draw
near to Him, rely upon Him, and receive from Him. The life of reference is not
institutional life, It is not fleshly camaraderie. COMMENTARY ON EPHESIANS
LESSON NUMBER 18
Eph 2:1 " And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins." (Eph 2:1)
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE HEAD HAPPENS TO THE BODY
INTRODUCTION
Paul is speaking in the capacity of an apostle - one who has been sent forth by Jesus with a message to be declared - in this case, particularly to the church. This circumstance means that this is what the Head of the church wants the church to know. It is what the Captain has determined is essential knowledge for the saved. This necessarily implies that the life to which the saints has been called requires this kind of knowledge. How serious is it when these things are not being expounded to the saints - members of Christ's body? What can be said of those who withhold from the household of Christ the things He has determined they are to know? Those who handle the Word of God are custodians of it - appointed stewards. It is their business to declare "all the counsel of God" (Acts 20:27). If they fail to do this, they are "wicked and slothful servants" (Matt 25:26). This is why Paul urged Timothy, "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables" (2 Tim 4:4).It was in view of a coming apostasy that Paul admonished Timothy to "preach the word" - in season and out of season. The need for instruction was to be detected quickly and appropriate action taken. The intrusion of sin was to be duly noted, and a proper response rendered. When the spirit of slumber began to settle on the people, a rousing call to godliness was to be issued. The preacher is like a watchman on the wall, positioned by God to keep the people in a state of informed alertness. When men face apostasy, it is not enough to simply say that is what God said would happen - as though apostasy was scheduled and men could do nothing about it. It is true that God sending "strong delusion" played a key role in the falling away. However, it is also true that it was largely owing to the failure of preachers and teachers to "preach the Word." Whatever may be said about men not receiving the love of the truth (2 Thess 2:10-12), there is no excuse for the people of God not being taught the things recorded in this passage. On the other hand, when they hear such words and give heed to them, just as it is written, "The righteous shall be glad in the Lord" (Psa 64:10).
HE RAISED JESUS . . . AND YOU!
Eph 2:1a "And you . . ." Other versions reads, "as for you," NIV "you used to be," CJB "you were once dead," GWN "also you," YLT "To you Gentiles also," WEYMOUTH "you too were dead,"WILLIAMS "In the past you were," CEV and "It wasn't so long ago that you were." MESSAGE
I am persuaded that several of these versions have missed the point of the passage. Paul is not starting a new subject, but elaborating on what he has written about Jesus. The passage can best be understood by viewing verses 21-23 of chapter one as a parenthetical statement. In it Paul briefly elaborates on the power exhibited in Christ's resurrection from the dead, confirming that the power also exalted Him high above all. This is how Jesus is to be viewed by the church - as presently possessing all of the power there is, with all created personalities and things being made subject to Him. The subject of exposition - the opening of our eyes to "the exceeding greatness of the power to us-ward who believe" (1:19). That power has been primarily exhibited in the raising of Jesus from the dead, and His exaltation above every name that is named, not only in this world, but in the one to come. None of that was actually seen by any mortal! We only know it by revelation - a word from God.
Now, in the first verse of the second chapter, Paul returns to the affirmation made in 1:19-20. He affirms that He is praying the brethren will be given the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so they will know "what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, Which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places . . . AND YOU!"
That is, Jesus was not raised from the dead in isolation from the people of God. There is a sense in which they were raised with Him. Thus we read, "risen with Him through faith in the operation of God" (Col 2:12); "if ye then be risen with Christ" (Col 3:1). Later Paul will affirm that God "hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Eph 2:6).
IDENTITY WITH CHRIST IS THE POINT. In salvation, identity with Christ is the point. In Jewry, so far as a mark was concerned, circumcision was the point. So far as life was concerned, keeping the Law, every jot and tittle of it, was the point. Now that "eternal salvation" is in place, the effective identity of the people with Jesus Christ is the issue. That is an identity that is accomplished by God, and is primarily recognized by Him. It is also an identity that is confirmed by both preferences and conduct.
This is an identity that cannot be exploited. It is not designed to make men rich, or gain a position of prominence in this world. It strictly has to do with how God regards the people, and the role they will play after the present heavens and earth have passed away.
"WITH CHRIST." Much is made of this identity in the apostles' doctrine. The saved ones are said to be "dead with Christ" (Rom 6:8), "joint heirs with Christ" (Rom 8:17), "crucified with Christ" (Gal 2:20), "quickened together with Christ" (Eph 2:5), "risen with Christ" (Col 3:1), and their lives are "hid with Christ in God" (Col 3:3).
"IN CHRIST." Redemption is "in Christ" (Rom 3:24), there is "no condemnation to them which are in Christ" (Rom 8:1), the love of God is "in Christ" (Rom 8:39), believers "being many are one body in Christ" (Rom 12:6), we are "sanctified in Christ" (1 Cor 1:2), God has put us "in Christ" (1 Cor 1:30), and we are made to "triumph in Christ" (2 Cor 2:14). It is those who are "in Christ" that are a "new creation" (2 Cor 5:17), our liberty is "in Christ" (Gal 2:4), we are "all the children of God by faith in Christ" (Gal 3:26), all spiritual blessings are in heavenly places "in Christ" (Eph 1:3), and we are God's workmanship "created in Christ" (Eph 2:10). It is "in Christ" that we are "made nigh by the blood of Christ" (Eph 2:13). We are "partakers of His promise in Christ" (Eph 3:6). The "high calling" of God is "in Christ" (Phil 3:14), our faith is "in Christ" (Col 1:4), "faith and love" are described as being "in Christ" (1 Tim 1:14), grace was given to us "in Christ Jesus before the world began" (2 Tim 1:9), and our manner of life, or "conversation," is "in Christ" (1 Pet 3:16).
"THROUGH CHRIST." Christ is the appointed means of appropriating everything related to God's great salvation. We have trust, or confidence, "through Christ to God-ward" (1 Cor 3:4). Every believer is an "heir of God through Christ" (Gal 4:7). The exceeding riches of God's grace and kindness toward us is "through Christ" (Eph 2:7). The peace of God keeps our hearts and minds "through Christ" (Phil 4:7). In the Divine economy, we can "do all things through Christ" (Phil 4:13).
"BY CHRIST." Consolation abounds to us "by Christ" (2 Cor 1:5), glory is brought to God in the church "by Christ" (Eph 3:21), our need is supplied "according to His riches in glory by Christ" (Phil 4:19), and God has "called us unto His eternal glory by Christ" (1 Pet 5:10).
The centrality of Christ in the entirety of spiritual life is what makes the discernment of His present exaltation, and the means by which it was accomplished, so essential. Life without Jesus at the helm is really no life at all.
GOD HAS QUICKENED THOSE WHO ARE IN CHRIST
2:1b " . . . hath He quickened . . ." Other versions read, "He made alive," NKJV "to you did He give life," BBE "hath He revived," WEB and "has given life to you." MONTGOMERY Most versions leave out these words, commencing with the statement "were dead in trespasses and sins."
While it is true that the original text does not contain the words "hath He quickened," that is, in fact, the point that is being made. This is a continuation of the statement made in 1:19-20, which defines the power that is toward those who believe. It was chiefly displayed in God raising Jesus from the dead, and seating Him at His own right hand. At that point a parenthetical statement is inserted which continues through the end of chapter one (1:21-1:23). Chapter two continues the thought expressed in 1:19-20: "which He wrought in Christ, and He raised Him from the dead . . . AND YOU." Thus, the point is that God also raised those who are in Christ Jesus. Paul will tnow explain the kind of death from which they were raised. This point will be expressly stated in verse five, together with its implications.
This is a pivotal point of apostolic doctrine - namely, that we have made been alive to God through our union with Christ Jesus in His death and resurrection. Colossians 2:13 makes the statement, "you . . . hathHe [God] quickened together WITH HIM [Christ}, having forgiven you all
trespasses."
ALIVE UNTO GOD. The point being made is that the saved are "alive unto God" - i.e. they are responsiveto Him, draw
near to Him, rely upon Him, and receive from Him. The life of reference is not
institutional life, It is not fleshly camaraderie.
The doctrine concerning this life is found in the sixth chapter of Romans - and living toward God is the point of it all. A number of things are said to have taken place (Rom 6:1-11). (See the box toi the right)
Being alive to God can only be coupled with being dead indeed unto sin. Where this death did not occur, there was no resurrection with Christ Jesus. If we did not die with Christ, we were not raised with Him. Life toward God postulates death, or a lack of responsiveness, toward sin.
It is God "who quickeneth," or "gives life to" NIV "the dead" (Rom 4:1`7). He has given this ministry to the Lord Jesus Christ, who himself declared, "the Son quickeneth whom He will" (John 5:21). This will is not carried out in some arbitrary way, but focuses on those who willingly died with Christ, removing their allegiance from the flesh and self-will, and giving it to the Lord.
What is described in Romans as being "alive unto God" is the same thing as the ,life "more abundantly" that is mentioned in John 10:10. It is a life in which man's thoughts and ways are brought into harmony with the thoughts and ways of the Lord -something that was not realized under the Old Covenant (Isa 55:8-9).
Being quickened, or made alive unto God, is confirmed by the sheep hearing the voice of God's appointed Shepherd (John 10:27). It is verified in their refusal to follow strangers (John 10:5), and their eagerness to "count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus" (Phil 3:8). The love of God's people for one another testifies to them being made alive by God, or having passed "from death unto life" (1 John 3:14).
Those who have been quickened "reign in life BY ONE, Jesus Christ" (Rom 5:17). By their faith, they overcome the world (1 John 5:4-5), and are "more than conquerors" (Rom 8:37). This life is maintained by putting to death the deeds of the body in the leading and strength of the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:13). This is a life that constrains the saints to not "live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again" (2 Cor 5:15).
We have become "dead to the law," that we "might live unto God" (Gal 2:19). This is a life that is lived "by faith" (Gal 3:11), and "in the Spirit" (Gal 5:25). It is characterized by a life that is "godly in Christ Jesus" (2 Tim 3:12), compelling the quickened one to "live soberly, godly, and righteously in this present world" (Tit 2:12). There is a noticeable preference for God, and a willignness to suffer for righteousness sake rather than compromise one's faith.
This life was initiated by our union with Christ - when we became "one spirit" with Him (1 Cor 6:17). It continuos through our fellowship with Christ, into which we have been called (1 Cor 1:9). Well is it written, "God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him" (1 John 4:9). This is some of the involvements of being quickened, or made alive, by and unto God. Candidly, this is not a subject that is prominent in the professing church - which is a tragic circumstance.
DEAD IN TRESPASSES AND SINS
2:1c " . . .who were dead in trespasses and sins." Other versions read, "dead in your trespasses and sins," NASB "your transgressions and sins," NIV "crimes and the sins," NJB "disobedience and your many sins," NLT "under God's curse, doomed forever for your sins," LIVING "your offenses and sins," WEYMOUTH "shortcomings and sins," WILLIAMS "because you sinned and fought against God," CEV "deviations and sins," LITV "mired in that old stagnant life of sin," MESSAGE and "[slain by [your] trespasses and sins." AMPLIFIED
The reason for our deadness toward God was the environment in which we were found: trespasses and sins. They were OUR trespasses and sins, even though the sinful nature itself came from Adam. The fact that a single sinful act by Adam caused many to be "made sinners" (Rom 5:19), in no way diminished our guilt. The fact that we must confess with David, "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me" (Psa 51:5) in no way lessens our guilt or qualifies us for Divine consideration or leniency. No one can claim they did not mean to sin, or that, when they sinned, they acted out of harmony with their own will.
TRESPASSES. Lexically, "trespasses" are defined as "as a deviation from living according to what has been revealed as the right way to live" FRIBERG This is acting in contradiction of what God has said.
SINS. The lexical definition of "sins" is, "To miss the mark," THAYER "to act contrary to the will and law of God - to sin, to engage in wrongdoing." LOUW-NIDA This is acting in contradiction of the nature of God - missing the objective for which man, who is in the image of God, was created.
TRESPASSES AND SINS. Spiritual death is evidenced by contradicting the Law of God, and being at variance with the nature of God. Words and deeds are involved, but so are motives and desires. The summation of these two terms is found in the word "alienated." Under the Law, God spoke through Ezekiel of alienation as a matter of the mind. Of Israel and her involvement with the Babylonians He said, "her mind was alienated" (Ezek 23:17-18), and "thy mind is alienated" (Ezek 23:22,28). Other versions read "she became disgusted with them," NASB "She turned away from them in disgust." NIV The idea is that Israel, repulsed by Babylon's immoral advances, pushed away from her in revulsion and filled with distaste.
ALIENATION FROM GOD. In the case of alienation from God, because of what He requires of men, they push away from Him, choosing to do their own desires, disgusted, as it were, with His demands. These demands are written upon their conscience (Rom 2:15), as well as in the Law (1 John 3:4).
Addressing the matter of alienation from the life of God, the Scriptures state, "Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart" (Eph 4:18). And again, "And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works" (Col 1:21). By nature, man is repulsed by the Person and demands of the living God. His nature has been so corrupted that he obstinately chooses his own way over the ways of his Maker. This begins in one's youth, and continues until the new birth takes place. This is attested by God's own assessment of humanity before the flood, and after the flood as well: "every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually . . . from his youth." (Gen 6:5; 8:21).
This condition is described by the words of our text: "dead in trespasses and sins." Not "dead with Christ" (Rom 6:8; Col 2:20), but "dead IN trespasses and sins." Death speaks of being unresponsive and unproductive. There is no ability to see, or comprehend, because the "dead" have not been given "eves to see" (Deut 29:4). There is no ability to hear the Lord, for they have not been given "ears to hear" (Lk 14:35), and their ears are not circumcised (Acts 7:51). There is no sensitivity to God because their heart remains uncircumcised (Deut 30:6; Acts7:51; Rom 2:29). Moses described the total condition in these words: "Yet the LORD hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day" (Deu 29:4). That is a description of spiritual deadness in trespasses and sins! This was the condition in which God found us - all of us. It is the state from which He raised us with Christ, as will be expounded in the verses that follow.
It is a tragedy beyond description that this condition exists in much of the professed church. There are all manner of explanations being given for the acknowledged condition. Notwithstanding these explanations, if one has ears to hear, there is a still small voice that is describing the condition. It is the condition of death in trespasses and sins. Men are not living right because they have not been raised up with Christ to "walk in newness of life." The power that raised Jesus from the dead, and set Him at the right hand of God invested with all power in heaven and earth, is not toward such people. That is why they do not have it! There is a willing barrier between them and God, and until it is removed, they will remain powerless. For some, it is true that they simply have not been told of the power. But for most, they are simply "dead."