

7.5 Ephesians -- the Plan of Salvation
In Eph 2:1-10, Paul makes the transition from God's work in Jesus Christ to His work in the believer. We "were dead" because of our sin, actively serving the "prince of the power of the air," who is God's rival for the loyalties of men. We followed the desires "of body and mind," and were "children of wrath, like the rest of mankind."
This is man in his natural state, in the "primordial sludge." It is not, however, Nature or Evolution that raises him out of it, "but God, who is rich in mercy." What God does for the believer is:
a. makes him alive together with Christ
b. raises us up with him
c. makes us sit in the heavenly places with Jesus
d. so that in coming ages He may show us the riches of grace.
e. sets before him a path of good works
All of these except "a" and "e" are invisible, intangible. The Holy Spirit is the pledge given to each believer that guarantees all the other blessings will become his eventually. It is the same Presence that was the Promise of Abraham and the guide of Moses:'
"My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest" (Ex 33:14).