“Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:” (Ephesians 2:2)
In this passage, Paul reminds believers at Ephesus of their former spiritual condition not to discourage them, but to magnify God’s grace. Just as light shines brighter in a dark room, salvation shines brightest against the darkness from which God rescues His people.
Scripture describes two broad categories of corruption: the lusts of the flesh and the lusts of the mind. The lusts of the flesh include those appetites that enslave men to physical desires. The lusts of the mind include pride, malice, envy, and self-exaltation—sins that more especially resemble those of Satan himself.
Unbelievers naturally live according to the spirit of the age without recognizing their bondage beneath its darkness and corruption until the gospel interrupts this course and creates them anew.[1]
This is why Jesus referred to salvation in conversation with Nicodemus as “the new birth.” Salvation by grace not only changes our conduct, it gives us a new nature. As Paul says in Ephesians 2:3, “we all had our conversation in times past.” Every Christian shares the same marred beginning until grace rescues us from the dominion of darkness and brings us into the light of Christ.
We therefore thank God not only for His forgiveness but also for the light of the gospel of Christ that shines in our heart, revealing to us the holiness of God, the evil of sin, and the beauty of redemption.
As a result, His grace also changes our affections. The newly-born believer begins to hate sin and love righteousness because he no longer belongs to the world’s system. At the moment of salvation he becomes a citizen of the kingdom of God.
Because every believer can say, “I once walked there, but God showed mercy,” we are ever grateful to the God who delivered us from worldly bondage, fleshly lusts, spiritual darkness, and Satan’s dominion. That is to say, we are ever grateful for His grace that changes everything.
Contemplations:
- My Former Walk. When I think about my life apart from grace, I realize how naturally I followed the course of this world. I did not understand the depth of sin or the subtle power of worldly influence. My thoughts, desires, and priorities moved according to the world’s ways. Looking back causes me to thank God because I know I would have remained there apart from His mercy.
- My Gratitude for Restraining Grace. I am thankful that God placed restraints around my life through His Word, conviction, and providence. Left to myself, I know my corruption would have carried me much farther into sin. The gospel did not simply forgive me; it restrained me, instructed me, and redirected me. This causes me to thank God for mercies I often overlook.
- My Deliverance from Darkness. I am grateful that Christ opened my eyes to truths I once ignored. I now see the holiness of God, the ugliness of sin, the beauty of Christ, and the certainty of eternity differently. I did not discover these things myself, but God revealed them to me. Remembering this keeps gratitude alive in my heart.
- My Ongoing Dependence Upon Grace. Even now I still feel remnants of old desires and worldly influences. This reminds me that I need to continue depending entirely on grace. I cannot preserve myself. The same mercy that rescued me must sustain me, so I am thankful that God continues the work He began in me.
Prayer (Thanksgiving):
Most merciful and gracious Father, thank You for rescuing me from the course of this world. Left to myself I would have continued in darkness, following my sinful desires. Yet You showed mercy.
Lord, I thank You that grace interrupted my path. You did not leave me in my blindness and corruption but called me through the gospel and brought me to Christ.
I am grateful that salvation changes more than outward conduct. You work within the heart itself. You expose sin, renew affections, and teach holiness.
Father, thank You for the light of Scripture, for delivering me from darkness and bringing me into Your kingdom.
Thank You also for every restraint You placed on my life. Many mercies came before I even recognized them. Your providence preserved me when I did not understand it.
And Holy Spirit, thank You for conviction, illumination, and sanctifying grace. You continue working because Your grace continues.
Let the remembrance of my former condition deepen my love for Christ and increase my thankfulness.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Further Scripture References for Ephesians 2:2:
John 12:31; Ephesians 5:6; Acts 5:3; Colossians 3:7
[1] Jonathan Edwards, “Lukewarm Christians,” in Jonathan Edwards Sermons, ed. Wilson H. Kimnach (New Haven, CT: The Jonathan Edwards Center at Yale University, 1729), Re 3:15.
