Ephesians 2: Key Concepts and Theological Themes for Bible Study

What condition were believers in before Christ?

dead through the trespasses and sins

How did believers once live?

following the course of this world

Who else were believers following?

the ruler of the power of the air

Where is this spirit now at work?

among those who are disobedient

What desires once controlled everyone?

the passions of our flesh

What kind of people were they by nature?

children of wrath, like everyone else

What quality of God is emphasized in verse 4?

rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us

Why did God love us?

because of the great love

What did God do when we were dead in trespasses?

made us alive together with Christ

How are believers saved?

by grace you have been saved through faith

What else did God do with believers?

raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus

Where are believers seated?

in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus

Why did God do this?

 so that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

How is salvation received?

by grace... through faith

Is salvation from ourselves?

this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God

What is salvation called?

the gift of God

Is salvation based on works?

not the result of works, so that no one may boast.

Why can no one boast?

so that no one may boast

What are believers called in Christ?

what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works

For what purpose were believers created?

for good works

Who prepared these works?

God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.

What were Gentiles once called?

the uncircumcision

What were they without?

remember that you were at that time without Christ,

What covenant were they strangers to?

and strangers to the covenants of promise

What hope did they have?

having no hope

What was their relationship to God?

without God in the world

What has happened now in Christ?

you who once were far off have been brought near

By what were they brought near?

by the blood of Christ

Who is our peace?

He is our peace

What did Christ break down?

the dividing wall of hostility

What law did Christ abolish?

the law with its commandments and ordinances

What did Christ create from the two groups?

one new humanity

What was Christ making?

making peace

What did Christ reconcile to God?

both groups in one body

Through what did reconciliation happen?

through the cross

What did Christ proclaim?

peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near

Through whom do we have access to God?

through him

In how many Spirits do we have access?

in one Spirit

What are believers no longer?

no longer strangers and aliens

What are believers now?

citizens with the saints

What household do believers belong to?

members of the household of God

What foundation is the church built on?

the apostles and prophets

Who is the cornerstone?

Christ Jesus himself

What grows into a holy temple?

the whole structure

Where is this temple?

in the Lord

What are believers being built into?

a dwelling place for God

How is this dwelling made possible?

in the Spirit

What word shows believers belong together?

together

What theme dominates the chapter?

grace... faith... peace

What image describes the church at the end?

a dwelling place for God