April 25th | Alive with Christ

March 25, 2025 5:06 AM

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S LETTER TO THE EPHESIANS 

ALIVE WITH CHRIST

Ephesians 2:3-5 “All of us also lived among them [trespasses and sin] at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving 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.” 

The past is the past. Yes, you were dead in your trespasses and sins (yesterday’s devotion) but today’s verses are all about how this is no longer true. “Because of His (God’s) great love for (you) . . . He made you alive with Christ even when (you) were dead in transgressions. . . “ This is true for you because of God’s undeserved love (grace.) 

What you deserve because of your sins is not what God gives you. Instead of eternal death, God, because of His love for you, gives you eternal life. It is because of His love for you, “you have been saved.” Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” 

Jesus came into this world that you might have life. This is what Jesus said as recorded by John, “I have come that they (you) may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10) John writes in John 20:31 that the very purpose for writing his gospel was that you might have life: “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”  

The foundational message of the gospel is found in the final words of today’s devotional verses: “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.” God has made you alive with Christ. Because Jesus’ victory over death you have the absolute certainty of everlasting life. (See John 3:16-17) 

Prayer: Thank You Jesus for earning for me a life that will never end. Amen. 

Jesus lives! The vict’ry’s won! Death no longer can appall me;  Jesus lives! Death’s reign is done!  From the grave will Christ recall me.    Brighter scenes will then commence; This shall be my confidence. 

Jesus lives! To Him the throne High above all things is given.  I shall go where He is gone, Live and reign with Him in heaven.  God is faithful, doubtings, hence! This shall be my confidence. 

Jesus lives! For me He died, Hence will I, to Jesus living,  Pure in heart and act abide, Praise to Him and glory giving.  All I need God will dispense; This shall be my confidence. 

Jesus lives! I know full well Nothing me from Him shall sever.  Neither death nor pow’rs of hell Part me now from Christ forever.  God will be my sure defense; This shall be my confidence. 

Jesus lives1 And now is death But the gate of life immortal;  This shall calm my trembling breath When I pass its gloomy portal.  Faith shall cry, as fails each sense; Jesus is my confidence.  (LSB 490)