“And you were dead in your trespasses and sins in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit now working in the disobedient.” (vv. 1-2)

Dead.

That’s an accurate descriptor, even if it is stark.

The fact is, you and I were not-at-all alive, apart from Christ. We functioned, but we didn’t live. Every day and every step and every breath brought us closer to the dust—and there was nothing we could do to get our hearts beating.

We were dying, doing dead things, in our death.

How good, then, is the grace-gift?! In Christ, we are given life, for He lives. In Christ, we do not die, because He died. In Christ, we breathe heaven in, for He has given us His Spirit. In Christ, our dead works are exposed for what they were, and God’s mercies are magnified.

My memory is good enough that I still remember the difference. I remember the deadness of my dead-life, I set it against the fullness of this grace-life, and I worship.

“Dead” used to describe you, too. Don’t forget that—and don’t forget to revel in His mercy anew.

— Tyler