Once Dead, Now Joined and Alive
Fitted together stone by stone, God’s people become His dwelling—resting on the cornerstone of Christ.
Paul’s heart opens wide in Ephesians 2 as he contrasts the believer’s past alienation with the present reality of union with Christ. The chapter begins with a sobering view of humanity’s default state—dead in transgressions, shaped by the world, Satan, and the flesh. This death wasn’t merely metaphorical; it was separation from the life of God, helpless to respond to Him and hostile to His ways. Yet into this spiritual death came the breathtaking interruption: “But God.” The entire gospel hinges on that contrast—God, motivated by love, mercy, and grace, makes us alive with Christ. We’ve been raised with Him, seated with Him, secured with Him. Salvation isn’t a reward; it’s a resurrection. It’s not our doing—it’s God’s gift, received through faith that He also supplies.
Paul wants us to understand that this transformation doesn’t merely rescue us from wrath but also rewrites our future. We are now His workmanship, handcrafted in Christ for good works that God already prepared in advance for us to walk in—just as we once walked in sin. The word “walk” signals a new lifestyle that flows from a new identity. The Gentiles, once excluded from God's promises and people, are now grafted into the family. Paul stresses that Christ’s death broke down the dividing walls, abolishing the enmity between Jew and Gentile, creating one new humanity—peace not only vertically with God but horizontally with one another.
And more: not only are we brought near, not only reconciled, but we are now part of God's own household. We don’t just enter the kingdom—we belong in the family. Christ, the cornerstone, anchors this new temple made of people—each one fitted into place by God’s own hand. The church isn’t just a gathering; it is the dwelling place of God Himself.
Personalized Journal Entry
In the Holy Spirit’s Voice Through Scripture
You were once dead, disconnected from My life, shaped by the spirit of this world and bound to the cravings of the flesh. But I, rich in mercy, stepped in. Because of My great love, I made you alive together with Christ. I raised you and seated you in the heavenly realms in Him, that you might know the surpassing riches of My grace in kindness for all eternity.
You have been saved by grace through faith—and even that is My gift. Not your works, lest you boast, but My craftsmanship. You are My handiwork, fashioned in Christ Jesus for the good I already prepared for you. Walk in those paths I laid out—not striving but abiding.
Once, you were without Christ, alienated and strangers to My covenants. But now, in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by His blood. He Himself is your peace. He broke down every dividing wall and abolished the hostility that once separated. He reconciled you to Me in one body through the cross. You now have access to Me through the Spirit.
You are no longer a stranger. You are a fellow citizen. A member of My household. Built on the foundation of truth, with Christ as the cornerstone holding everything together. You are being built into a holy dwelling where I, your God, live by My Spirit.
(Ephesians 2:1–22)
Prayer
Father, I rest tonight in the truth that I am no longer an outsider trying to earn a place in Your presence. I am alive with Christ, seated with Him, part of Your household. I thank You that I no longer need to plead for access, for peace, or for identity—You’ve already secured these in Christ.
Where once I would try to build my own house of works, You have placed me into a dwelling of grace, fitted perfectly in Your design. I trust You tonight not only to hold me secure but to move me moment by moment into the good works You have already prepared—works that are not burdens but blessings flowing from the life of Christ within me.
You have made me new. And tonight, I am content to dwell in that reality.
Amen.
Devotional credit: Grace and Truth Study Bible
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