From Wrath to Riches: Understanding Our New Life in Christ

We all love stories of second chances. Like baby Lynlee, who was surgically removed from her mother’s womb at 23 weeks to remove a tumor and then placed back to continue growing, believers in Jesus Christ know what it means to be “born twice.” This spiritual rebirth transforms us from death to life, from wrath to riches.

What Does It Mean to Be “Dead in Sin”?

In Ephesians 2, Paul paints a stark picture of our condition without Christ. He doesn’t mince words: “You were dead in your offenses and sins.” Not mostly dead, not sort of dead, not sick—completely dead. Spiritually flatlined.

This spiritual death manifests in several ways:

• We were misguided – Walking “according to the course of this world,” following paths that seemed right but led to destruction
• We were deceived – Under the influence of “the prince of the power of the air” (Satan)
• We were disobedient – Living “in the lusts of our flesh, indulging in the desires of the flesh and of the mind”
• We were doomed – “By nature children of wrath, just like the rest”

Despite what popular culture might suggest, the Bible doesn’t teach that people are inherently good. While we were created good, we’ve sought out many schemes. Jesus didn’t come for good people—He came for dead people.

How Does “But God” Change Everything?

In the middle of this bleak description, two powerful words appear that change everything: “But God.”

These two words capture the essence of the gospel. They represent the divine intersection in our lives. As James Montgomery Boice said, “If you can understand these two words, you can understand all of the gospel.”

What follows these two words reveals God’s response to our desperate condition:

• Rich in mercy – God didn’t give us what our sins deserved
• Great in love – God loved us when we didn’t love Him
• Extended grace – God gave us what we could never deserve
• Showed kindness – God’s compassion toward us in Christ

What Does It Mean to Be “Saved by Grace Through Faith”?

Paul delivers the pivotal statement of Ephesians—perhaps of the entire New Testament—in verses 8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

This passage clarifies several important truths:

• We are saved by grace – Grace is the means of our salvation
• We receive this grace through faith – Faith is our response to God’s grace
• This salvation is not of ourselves – We didn’t conjure it up
• It is the gift of God – Freely given, not earned
• It is not by works – No amount of good deeds can save us
• So no one can boast – All credit goes to God alone

Why Were We Created in Christ?

After explaining how we’re saved, Paul reveals why: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them” (v.10).

The Greek word for “workmanship” is poiema, from which we get our English word “poem.” We are God’s masterpiece, His work of art, His craftsmanship. And He created us with purpose.

Notice the contrast:

• Before Christ: We walked “according to the course of this world” (v.2)
• In Christ: We walk “in the good works” God prepared for us (v.10)

God has a plan for your life that He prepared before creation. Your purpose may look different from someone else’s, but it’s still a good work designed specifically for you.

Life Application

The story of John, who experienced rejection and became selectively mute until a family chose him and wrote their name over him, mirrors our spiritual journey. We were dead, hopeless, and lost until God chose us, wrote His name over us, and adopted us into His family.

Now we have a purpose. We’ve moved from wrath to riches in Christ.

Ask yourself:

1. Do I truly understand that I was spiritually dead before Christ, not just “mostly good with some flaws”?
2. Have I fully embraced God’s grace, or am I still trying to earn His favor through good works?
3. What are the “good works” God has prepared for me to walk in? Am I actively pursuing His purpose for my life?
4. How can I demonstrate God’s mercy, love, grace, and kindness to others this week?

This week, take time to thank God for the “but God” moment in your life. Then look for opportunities to walk in the good works He has prepared for you, remembering that you are His masterpiece, created with purpose and destined for glory.