Alive and United in Christ: Embracing the Transformation and Unity Found in Jesus
Pastor Reed Sowell
When we think about transformation, one of the most popular examples that come to mind is the world of home renovation shows. These shows captivate us with their dramatic before-and-after reveals, where an old, dilapidated house is transformed into a dream home. But the concept of transformation isn’t just confined to houses. What if we applied that same principle to our lives? Imagine the possibility of taking a broken, forgotten, unloved person and transforming them into someone full of life, joy, and purpose.
The Reality of Spiritual Death
Before we can truly appreciate the transformation that comes through Jesus, it's crucial to understand our starting point. Ephesians 2 opens with a stark reminder of who we were before Christ: "Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins" (Ephesians 2:1, NLT). This isn’t just a poetic way of saying we were in a bad spot. It’s a blunt acknowledgment that without Christ, we are spiritually dead.
Being spiritually dead means more than just being morally flawed. It means that our hearts and souls are disconnected from the source of life—God Himself. Our actions, thoughts, and desires are driven by a nature that is inherently opposed to God. We live to gratify our flesh, chasing after whatever we think will satisfy us, only to find that nothing truly does.
The Transformation Begins: Made Alive in Christ
But here’s where everything changes. Ephesians 2:4-5 delivers a powerful shift: "But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead" (NLT). The word "but" is small, yet it carries the weight of eternity. Despite our state of spiritual death, God intervened.
This isn't about bad people becoming good; it’s about dead people coming to life. Through Jesus, we experience a rebirth—a complete renewal of who we are. This transformation is not something we can achieve on our own. It’s entirely by God’s grace. As Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, "God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it" (NLT).
Living in the New Reality: God's Masterpiece
Once we have been made alive in Christ, we step into a new reality. Ephesians 2:10 declares, "For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago" (NLT). Imagine being called God’s masterpiece—a work of art, crafted with care and purpose.
This verse reveals that we are not random accidents but intentional creations. God has specific plans for each of us, and these plans are good. They are not easy, but they are fulfilling. Whether it’s raising a family, starting a business, or simply loving those around us, we are called to live out the good works that God prepared in advance for us.
Remembering Where We Came From
It’s easy, after years of following Christ, to forget who we were before Him. But Ephesians 2:11-12 urges us to remember our past. "Don’t forget that you Gentiles used to be outsiders. You were called ‘uncircumcised heathens’ by the Jews, who were proud of their circumcision, even though it affected only their bodies and not their hearts. In those days you were living apart from Christ. You were excluded from citizenship among the people of Israel, and you did not know the covenant promises God had made to them. You lived in this world without God and without hope" (NLT).
This isn’t about dwelling on our past mistakes but about acknowledging the reality of our previous separation from God. Without Christ, we were outsiders—excluded from God’s promises, without hope, and without God in our lives. Remembering this keeps us grounded. It reminds us of the immense grace that we’ve received and prevents us from becoming self-righteous or complacent in our faith.
The Unifying Power of Christ's Peace
The transformation we experience in Christ isn’t just a personal journey; it’s also communal. Ephesians 2:14 says, "For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us" (NLT). Through Jesus, the divisions that once separated people—whether cultural, ethnic, or social—are dismantled. We are brought together into one family under God.
This unity is not superficial; it’s a deep, spiritual reality. Christ’s peace not only reconciles us to God but also to each other. In a world that is often marked by division and conflict, the church is called to be a beacon of unity—a place where people from all walks of life can come together, united by their shared faith in Jesus.
Implications of Living in Christ’s Peace
What does it mean to live in this peace? Ephesians 2:19-22 paints a beautiful picture of the implications: "So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself" (NLT).
As members of God’s family, we belong to something much bigger than ourselves. We are not isolated individuals but part of a spiritual household, with Christ as the cornerstone. This reality shapes how we live our lives. It calls us to build our lives on the foundation of Christ, to pursue peace with others, and to embrace our role in God’s ongoing work in the world.
Living Out Our New Identity
As we reflect on this chapter, it’s clear that our identity in Christ transforms every aspect of our lives. We’ve been made alive, called God’s masterpiece, united with others, and given peace that transcends human understanding. But with this new identity comes a responsibility—to live in a way that reflects the transformation we’ve received.
This means actively participating in the sanctification process, allowing the Holy Spirit to continue His work in us. It’s about walking in the good works God has prepared for us, not out of obligation, but out of a deep sense of gratitude for the grace we’ve been given. It’s about embracing our new life and living it to the fullest, knowing that our ultimate fulfillment is found in Jesus.
Embracing the Ongoing Transformation
Transformation is not a one-time event; it’s an ongoing process. Just like a home renovation, it requires time, effort, and perseverance. There will be challenges along the way—unexpected obstacles that test our faith and commitment. But as we continue to trust in God, yield to the Holy Spirit, and walk in obedience, we will see the fruit of this transformation in our lives.
Remember, the Christian life is not about perfection but about progress. It’s about becoming more like Jesus each day, learning to love, serve, and live in a way that honors Him. As we do, we will not only experience personal transformation but also contribute to the transformation of those around us.
Call to Action: Living Transformed Lives
So, how do we respond to the incredible truths found in Ephesians 2? It starts with remembering who we were before Christ and rejoicing in the new life we’ve received through Him. It’s about embracing our identity as God’s masterpiece and stepping into the good works He has prepared for us. It’s about living in unity with others and being agents of Christ’s peace in a divided world.
Take some time this week to reflect on the transformation that has taken place in your life. Ask yourself: How can I live more fully in the new identity I’ve received in Christ? What are the good works God has prepared for me to do? How can I contribute to the unity and peace of the church and the world around me?
And if you’ve never experienced this transformation, know that it’s available to you today. No matter who you are or what you’ve done, God’s grace is sufficient. All it takes is a step of faith, acknowledging your need for Him, and accepting the gift of salvation that Jesus offers.