Was and Now

Was and Now

Ephesians 2:7–10 (MSG) Now God has us where HE wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower Grace and Kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all His idea, and all his work. All we do is trust HIM enough to let HIM do it. It’s God’s gift from start to finish! We don’t play the major role. If we did, we’d probably go around bragging that we’d done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join Him in the work He does, the good work He has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing!!

Paul describes two themes from this chapter- 1) Death to Live 2) Division to Unity - It tells us who we were and who we now are — and the distance between those two is entirely the work of Grace. we were dead, Paul says, not struggling or striving, but dead — and yet "God, being rich in mercy," made you alive together with Christ. That word "together" matters: We didn't rise on your own effort. We were raised because we were united to the One who conquered death. This is the first great encouragement — Our new life isn't a project we are managing, it's a gift we are living out of. "By Grace you have been saved through faith... not a result of works, so that no one may boast." We have nothing to prove, only everything to receive. To summarise,(vv. 8–9) — "For by Grace we have been saved through faith. And this is not our own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Hallelujah!!

At the same time, Grace doesn't just save individuals — it builds community. Christ's cross tore down the wall between people, turning strangers into family and believers into a temple where God dwells. Our calling isn't meant for isolation; We are a living stone in something Christ holds together.

Fulfilling our calling isn’t about working harder to earn what’s already been given, or trying to create unity that only the cross can bring. It’s about keeping our focus on Jesus, the cornerstone — the source of our new life and the peace that holds relationships together. Let His finished work define our identity, and let His peace guide how we love others. We are His workmanship, created for the good works He’s already prepared — just walk in them. Stay fixed on Jesus and step into what He’s set before you. God has us right where He wants us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

In His Grip
Shabbat Shalom from Kent, London
Have a Great Weekend