Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

The arrival of Jesus Christ marked a pivotal shift in human history, dividing time itself into two distinct eras: Before Christ (BC) and Anno Domini (AD), or the year of our Lord. This transformation is mirrored in the lives of individuals who, upon encountering Christ, experience a profound shift in their existence. The journey from BC to AD isn’t just a historical one; it’s a personal narrative of redemption, grace, and purpose grounded in Ephesians 2:1-10.

The Reality of Our BC Existence

Ephesians 2:1 begins with a stark reminder of our condition before Christ: “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins.” This state describes our BC existence—an existence where we were enslaved by sin and captivated by worldly desires. Living apart from Christ, we were akin to the walking dead, detached from the life that comes from a relationship with God.
Reflecting upon this, we recall Romans 3:23, which tells us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” This universality of sin speaks to the collective human experience of alienation and bondage. Our natural inclination is to pursue the short-lived pleasures of this world, leading us further away from the truth and purpose God intended for us.

The Existence of Spiritual Death

In our BC life, dominated by sin, we often find our identity intertwined with our failures and worldly pursuits, much like a prisoner clothed in chains. The Bible highlights this, particularly in John 8:34 where Jesus declares, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” The weight of such bondage can feel overbearing, trapping us in a cycle of disappointment and despair, threatening our closeness to God.

The Turning Point: Encountering Christ

Then comes the glorious moment when we encounter Christ—our personal AD. Ephesians 2:4-5 beautifully illustrates this transition: “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.” This passage encapsulates the heart of the Gospel message: grace.
The moment we accept Christ into our lives, everything changes. Grace intervenes and transforms us from individuals who are dead in sin to living beings who are made alive in Christ. We encounter the incredible love and mercy of the Father, who offers us not only salvation but a renewed identity.

The Gift of Grace

At this point, it is crucial to understand that our salvation is a gift—a gift that we can never earn through our own efforts. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Our works, no matter how commendable, are insufficient for salvation; it is solely through the sinless life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection of Jesus Christ that we find redemption.
This foundational truth is echoed in Titus 3:5, which says, “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.” It is imperative for us to grasp the enormity of this grace. Jesus, in His loving kindness, took upon Himself the penalty of our sin, freeing us from the chains that once held us captive.

Embracing Our New Identity

With our salvation secured, we step boldly into the reality of who we are now in Christ. Ephesians 2:6 declares, “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” This affirmation speaks to the authority we have as children of God. No longer are we defined by our past or our failures; we are now seated with Christ, having access to His power and presence.

Living as People of the Light

Understanding our identity calls us to embrace a new way of living. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” This is pivotal—it emphasizes that while we are not saved by good works, we are saved for good works.
In this light, our lives should reflect the change that Christ has made within us. Good works become an overflow of our transformed hearts, catalyzed by His love and our gratitude for God’s gracious gift. Our actions serve as tangible expressions of our faith, drawing others to the knowledge of Christ.

A Call to Action

So, dear reader, as you contemplate these truths, ask yourself: Does my life reflect the transformative grace of Jesus Christ? Am I walking in the good works that God has prepared for me? The life that we lead post-acceptance of Christ should be one that lights up the world around us, demonstrating the power and presence of the risen Lord.
We are called to embody love, joy, peace, and kindness in our interactions with others, manifesting the evidence of a life changed by grace. In every act of service and compassion, we create pathways for others to encounter the same grace that saved us.

Embracing Resilience in Life’s Challenges

Living out our faith means also recognizing that challenges are part of the journey. Life can throw adversities our way that may make us feel like we’ve slipped back into our BC selves, yet in Christ, we have a perspective shift. Romans 8:28 assures us that “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Understanding that even trials can serve a greater purpose gives us hope and strength to endure.
In moments of despair, we are reminded of God’s unyielding love for us, a love that meets us in our pain. Psalm 34:18 echoes this sentiment: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Being anchored in Christ allows us to navigate life’s storms with a renewed vision, all the while tethered to His infinite grace.

Conclusion: A Life Transformed

As we delve into the depths of Ephesians 2:1-10, we understand the profound implications of moving from a BC existence to living in the reality of our AD lives. The journey of faith is not one of mere religious observance but a deep relationship with our Savior—a relationship defined by grace.
Together, let us celebrate our newfound identity as children of God and recommit ourselves to the good works He has prepared for us. By doing so, we become beacons of hope, love, and light in a world desperately in need of the redemptive power of Jesus Christ.
Through grace, we have passed from death to life—our past sins no longer define us, and we can joyfully step into our purpose, living fully as people of the light. So, in every good work we undertake may we experience the joyful truth of being saved by grace and living out our divine purpose, reflecting Christ in all that we do.