Our spiritual blessings originate in the mind and heart of God, before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:3-5). At some time in our life, we had to become aware of these spiritual blessings and receive them (Ephesians 1:12-13). Our original understanding of gospel truth is simple and needs to be developed-–grown into mature faith and understanding (Ephesians 1:15-20; 3:14-19). Today, let's examine how that faith started.

A New Power – Ephesians 2:1-5

Before we can understand the new birth, we must understand why it is necessary. Because of the original sin of Adam, we are born into this world spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1-3; Romans 5:12 cp. Genesis 2:16-17). As an unplugged television or radio cannot receive signals and play any programming, our souls do not receive the truths of Scripture naturally. We are dead to the things that pertain to the Spirit of God and His kingdom (John 3:3 [note that, "see" means to understand with the mind;] John 14:17; Matthew 16:13-17; I Corinthians 1:18; 2:14). The Spirit of God, using the Word of God, must "quicken" us (i.e. make us spiritually alive – Ephesians 2: 1, 5) so, that we can receive God's truth / The Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is called the new birth / regeneration (John 3:3; 5:25; 6:63; 11:25-26; I Peter. 1:20-25; Titus 3:5-6). The power that gives us new birth is the same power that raised Christ from the dead (Ephesians 1:19-20. The new birth is our spiritual resurrection from the deadness of our sinful condition.

A New Position – Ephesians 2:6-7

When we are born again, physically and geographically nothing changes. However, our standing with God instantly changes. We have passed from death unto life (John 5:24); from Satan's dark kingdom to Christ's kingdom of Light (Colossians 1:13; Acts 26:18); from the status of a stranger and an enemy of God to the status of a family member and a friend of God (Ephesians 2:5-6 ["together"], 11-19 3:14-15 cp. Romans 5:5-10; 8:14-18).

A New Product – Ephesians 2:8-10

Salvation is not the work of man. It is entirely the work of God (Jonah 2:9). Man only can cooperate with God after He changes our heart (Ephesians 2:8-9; Philippians 2:12-13; Romans 12:3; I Corinthians 3:5-9). After we are born again we are called His "workmanship" (Ephesians 2:10 cp. 4:20-24). We are a new creation through Christ (II Corinthians 5:17). As the Lord's body (church) we represent Hisfullness on earth (Ephesians 1:22-23). Christ uses us to fulfill His will. Now, the question is, "are we busy trying to fulfill His purposes, or are we just surviving? See Ephesians 3:1-2; 4:1; 5:14-21; 6:10-19 cp. Philippians 3:10-15.