There are three principal topics treated of in this Section. First, the spiritual state of the Ephesians before their conversion. Second, the change which God had wrought in them. Third, the design for which that change had been effected.
I. The state of the Ephesians before their conver- sion, and the natural state of men universally, is one of spiritual death, which includes—1. A state of sin. 2. A state of subjection to Satan and to our own cor- rupt affections. 38. A state of condemnation, vs. 1-3.
1. The change which they had experienced was a spiritual resurrection; concerning which the apostle teaches—1. That God is its author. 2. That it is a work of love and grace. 38. That it was through Christ, or in virtue of union with him. 4. That it involves great exaltation, even an association with Christ in his glory, vs. 4-6.
Ill. The design of this dispensation is the manifes- tation through all coming ages of the grace of God. It is a manifestation of grace—l. Because salvation in general is of grace. 2. Because the fact that the Ephe- sian Christians believed or accepted of this salvation was due not to themselves but to God. Faith is his gift. 8. Because good works are the fruits not of nature, but of grace. We are created unto good works.
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CHAP. Il. VER. 1. 95
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