“Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. 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. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.”
Paul shifts his focus from the authority of Christ to the sinfulness of mankind. Having established that Jesus is in a position of power over all things, Paul begins to describe the desperation of humanity. We are “subject to God’s anger” — except for the fact that God has chosen to love us. We were as good as dead, and God could have let humanity simply destroy itself. But just as Jesus overcame death, so we can find life once again through him.
Notice the shift that begins to take place in verse 6: “For he raised us from the dead along with Christ…” Remember the powerful throne Jesus occupies that was described in chapter 1? We are seated with him! As followers of Jesus, we are examples of his “incredible wealth.” And in the kingdom of God, grace and kindness are the most valuable currencies.
Here’s your freedom for today: God is lavishing grace and kindness on you. He has made unity with Christ possible through his mercy. He has given us power through our unity with Christ. He simply wants to do it this way. Grace is his favorite design. What does it mean for you today that God wants to be kind to you simply to show off his wealth? Be careful not to measure this in circumstances — God’s kindness doesn’t mean that he makes our circumstances “work out,” but rather that he embraces the deepest parts of who we are and cherishes us.