From Death to Life

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Ephesians 2:4-5

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us,^[a]5 made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace!

(CSB)

The popularity of the Walking Dead indicates that programs and movies about zombies who come back from the dead are increasing in popularity.  One likely reason for this interest could be an interest in escaping death and living eternally.  For those watching these programs due to an interest with this purpose, I have both good and bad news.  First the bad news, death is inevitable (Hebrews 9:27), however, the good news is eternal life is available by simply believing in Jesus Christ as savior (John 3:16).  Ephesians 2:4-5 describes the ultimate zombification with those dead in their sins finding life.  However this is not live as a mindless zombie but abundant eternal life with Jesus (John 10:10).   

Prior to Jesus coming into our lives, we were in dire circumstances.  This dire situation was due to our living in obedience to the prince and power of the air, the devil (Ephesians 2:1-2).  Even the Apostle Paul acknowledges living in these dire circumstances (Ephesians 2:3).  This is the same power of the air that tempted Adam and Eve, bringing the curse of sin upon us all (Genesis 3:1-7). 

However, the good news is we do not need to remain in the dire circumstances of eternal death but through Christ and His mercy, love, and grace can have salvation and life (Ephesians 2:4-5).  However, the good news does not end with our moving from death to life for we are also raised up with Christ and seated, in a spiritual sense at this time, with Christ in the heavens (Ephesians 2:6).  From this spiritual position, Jesus will display his rich grace physically to the world in His coming earthly kingdom (Ephesians 2:7). 

Unlike other religions where one must work to achieve a good standing with god, Christianity is a religion of grace provided to those choosing to accept the substitutionary sacrifice of God’s own Son for sins (Ephesians 2:8-9).  This, however, does not mean we continue living as we did when under the death penalty of sin but live lives of good works that we were created to do (Ephesians 2:10).  Christians do not do good works to appease God but do good works out of love for God. 

The cross of Calvary bridges the gap separating death from life.  However, we cannot get to the other side without crossing the bridge.  If you have not crossed the bridge from death to life, I encourage you to cross the bridge by praying with me now,

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, was buried, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

The greatest good work anyone can do is share the message of Grace, so others can cross the bridge from death to life.  This does not require vast theological knowledge for all anyone that just prayed needs to do is share this post on social media or by email.  May God bless your new journey of life.