Today we are reading Ephesians 2. In this chapter we read about the transition from unbelievers to believers. The keyword for this chapter is “su-zo-o-poi-e-o”. The definition is “to make alive together with, to keep alive, to preserve life. The words in compound with “sun” indicate the relationship between Christ and the believer, and the participation with Christ.” “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,” Ephesians 2:4-6 ESV It is clear that Paul deliberately uses language that calls to mind the death and resurrection of Jesus when describing the conversion experience. I also like the definition “to preserve life”. So, first God calls us forth from the tomb of our sin and makes us alive with Him and second, throughout this earthly life God sustains our faith through His Word. May God bless you as you experience His life-giving and life-sustaining grace! Pastor Tim
