Ephesians 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind… 1. The chosen of God have, before conversion, nothing differing from other sinners. Even those whom God takes to mercy were sinful as others, before by His grace they are changed. And why? (1) That the mercy of God may be magnified, and made manifest in the free grace of justification. (2) That love may be engendered in us who have been justified. Mary, who had many sins forgiven, loved much. 2. Where there is no fear of God, no outward privileges will procure us His favour. When God's people do not obey Him, their circumcision is made uncircumcision. How can this be, seeing the one pro. less the true God, while the other does not? (1) In deeds they deny Him. (2) In deeds they set up false gods — their lusts, pleasures, riches, etc. 3. We must not be ashamed to confess ourselves sinners with the worst. The most upright are most forward in confession. It is the proper fruit of grace, to freely confess and give glory to God. 4. By nature the state of all is such that God's wrath abides on them. (1) We are born separated from God. (2) We are given up to Satan. (3) Subject to every curse in this life, whether spiritual or corporal. (4) To death temporal. (5) To death eternal. 5. By nature all of us are sinful; not only in regard of Adam's sin imputed, but of corruption or concupiscence with which we are conceived (Psalm 51:5; Psalm 58:3; Genesis 8:21; Ezekiel 16:4, 5, 6; Isaiah 53:6; Isaiah 1:4). 6. Even the children of the godly are by nature children of wrath. (Paul Bayne.) Parallel Verses KJV: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. |
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