I am grateful to be married to my lovely wife for over 28 years. I will never forget purchasing the engagement ring. I knew I could not afford a big expensive diamond ring, but I could afford a small one. To help me see and appreciate the value of the diamond, the jeweler placed it against a dark backdrop. The contrasting background helped me better recognize the value of the precious stone.

In Ephesians 2, Paul helps us better understand who we used to be before the grace of God transformed our lives. Before we knew Christ, we were dead in our “transgression and sins” (v. 1). We “followed the ways of this world” while being controlled by the devil (v. 2). We gratified the “cravings of our flesh”, following its desires and thoughts. We were even “deserving of wrath” (v. 3).

But look at the contrast that begins in verse 4! The conjunction “but” introduces God’s actions toward us while sinners. This is the good news: “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ.” In the Greek text, the word “God” immediately follows “but,” placing it in an emphatic position. God is the subject of the passage. When highlighted against the backdrop of our desperate and sinful condition, God’s grace toward us is abundant and invaluable! To emphasize the fact, Ephesians mentions “riches” five times and “grace” twelve times.

God expressed the value of His grace by making us alive with Christ! He raised us up with Christ and “seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus” (v. 6). Saved by His grace, we are His “handiwork” or “workmanship”—you are a work of art, God’s masterpiece! (v. 10). What an incredible contrast! What a transformation!

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