Ephesians 2 Notes & Questions

Notes:

The apostle Paul continues his letter to the church at Ephesus bringing to recollection their state prior to conversion, and contrasts that state to the state of the converted saint, emphasizing the fruits of redemption in the following manner:

1. 1. The old life vs. the converted life (vs. 1-7)
   2. The fruits of redemption (vs. 8-13)
   3. The person of Christ in the believer (vs. 14-18)
   4. The body as a building (vs. 19-22)

The old life vs. the converted life 

Paul reminds the Ephesian church of their past and then places an emphasis on their new state as a body converted and transformed by Christ.  This contrast applies to all believers.  As Paul points out, we can join in with the Ephesians in understanding that in our past:

• We were dead in their sin but are made to live (quickened) (v. 1)
• We walked in pleasure of the world (v. 2)
• We gave in to the lies of the devil and were disobedient to God (v. 2)
• We fulfilled the desires of the flesh (v. 3)

The fruits of redemption

Once the contrast between the old life and the new life is established, Paul takes time to describe redemption, including its process and its products. He first describes the redemptive process of salvation:

• Redemption is only through salvation by grace (v. 8 )
• There is nothing that we can do to save ourselves (v. 8 )
• Salvation is a gift, given freely to us by God, but at a cost to God (v. 8 )
• Salvation cannot be attained by works of the flesh and no credit for salvation can be claimed by man (v. 9)

The person of Christ in the believer

Paul explains the relationship of the person of Christ in the believer. Paul writes that through Christ, salvation has:

• Made us a new creation (v. 14)
• Removed the barrier between us and God (v. 14)
• Eliminated the penalty of the law (note: this does not abolish the law, as Paul wrote in Romans 3:20 and Romans 7:7, the law still was necessary to expose our sin and our offenses before God; however, the penalty of the law [i.e.; death] no longer applies to the believer) and made peace between us and God (vs. 15-16)
• Provided peace and access to the Father by the Holy Spirit (vs. 17-18)

The body as a building

Paul compares our new fellowship with God the Father through Christ as a household or building.  He does this by showing:

• Our new citizenship in the household of God (v. 19)
• Our foundation in the faith (and church) through the apostles and prophets (v. 20)
• Our reliance upon the cornerstone of our faith, which is Jesus Christ (v. 20)
• The building that is being framed in us as a temple for God, as individuals and as a body of believers (vs. 21-22)

Questions

1. How does God’s Word describe our life before we are saved?
2. Once we trust Christ for salvation, how is our life described?
3. Can we earn salvation through performing good works, doing good deeds, or paying a certain price? Why or why not?
4. What does the word “grace” mean?
5. How does God show His love toward mankind?
6. When did you trust Christ as your Savior?  What changes occurred in your life as a result of that decision?
7. How does salvation provide peace with God?
8. Describe how a Christian teen’s life is impacted by being saved and having a new relationship with Christ.
9. What does it mean to say that Jesus Christ is the “chief cornerstone” of our faith (v. 20)?
10. How would you describe the “building” that Christ is framing in you?