We begin in a serious condition. Ephesians 2 reminds us that without Christ, we are dead in trespasses and sins. We have walked according to the ways of the world, followed the desires of the flesh and mind, and become children of wrath. So how can people in that condition become holy and without blame, receive adoption as God’s children, and be accepted by Him?

The answer begins not with us, but with God.

Ephesians 2:4 tells us that God is rich in mercy because of His great love for us. Our salvation begins with God’s love. John 3:16 reminds us just how great that love is: God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son. Think seriously about what that means. God gave His Son so that we could be forgiven, become His sons and daughters, and be accepted by Him.

And God did not love us because we were so lovable. He loved us because of who He is. First John 4 teaches us that God is love. His love moved Him to offer His Son as the perfect sacrifice for our sins.

Along with that great love comes God’s rich mercy. Mercy is compassion toward those who are in trouble—and we were certainly in trouble because of sin. We needed salvation, and God looked upon us with compassion. His mercy reaches out to sinners because He desires people to be saved.

Then Ephesians 2:5 gives us another beautiful truth: even when we were dead in trespasses, God “made us alive together with Christ.” This happens by His grace—His unmerited favor.

But how are we made alive together with Christ? Colossians 2:11–13 helps us understand. We are buried with Christ in baptism and raised with Him through faith in the working of God. Just as Christ died, was buried, and rose again, we put off the old life of sin, are buried in water, and rise to a new life in Christ. Our trespasses are forgiven, and we are made alive with Him.

Ephesians 2:6–7 goes even further. God has raised us up together and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Because we are united with Christ, we already enjoy wonderful spiritual blessings in Him. Yet what we experience now is only the beginning. In the ages to come—in eternity with God—He will continue to show the exceeding riches of His grace and kindness toward us in Christ.

How wonderful is salvation by grace!

Then we come to Ephesians 2:8–9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith.” Salvation is God’s gift. We cannot boast that we earned it through works of merit. God’s love made salvation possible. God’s mercy reached out to us. God’s grace provided what we could never provide for ourselves.

Yet being saved by grace does not mean faith is unnecessary. Colossians 2:12 says that when we are buried with Christ in baptism, we are raised with Him “through faith in the working of God.” Our faith trusts what God is doing. It is an obedient faith. When you submit to baptism in faith, you are not earning salvation—you are trusting God and receiving what His grace has provided through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

And salvation does not leave us unchanged.

Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.” We are not saved because our good works earn salvation, but when God makes us new in Christ, He creates us to live lives filled with good works. We are to be ready for good works, careful to maintain them, and diligent in living in ways that bring glory to God.

This is the beautiful transformation of salvation by grace through faith: children of wrath can become children of God. Sons of disobedience can receive adoption into God’s family. Those who were dead in sin can be made alive with Christ.

So how do you receive this salvation?

You hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. You believe it. When you recognize that your life has not been in accordance with God’s will, you repent—changing your thinking and the direction of your life. You openly confess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Then, in faith, you are baptized by immersion in water for the remission of your sins, trusting not in your own merit but in God’s work, mercy, and grace.

Each of us has a choice.

And if you have obeyed the gospel but have fallen away, Christ’s blood has not lost its power. We can turn back to God, seek His forgiveness, and be cleansed.

God has shown His great love. He is rich in mercy. His grace has provided salvation through Jesus Christ. The question now becomes personal: Will you trust Him with an obedient faith and receive the salvation He has graciously provided?