Ephesians 2:1-3

The Condition of the Lost

At the close of chapter 1, Paul told at least three ways God's power could be seen in Jesus. Through the same power he has made alive those who were spiritually dead, or separated from God, in trespasses and sins (Isaiah 59:1-2). That making alive is accomplished through the gospel by our being buried with Christ by baptism and raised up to walk in a new life (Romans 1:16; Romans 6:3-4). All those who have been regenerated once lived as the worldly do, controlled by the devil, who is the ruler over all the evil forces that surround the earth like a dark mist. Satan works his evil through those who allow worldly thinking to control them (2:1-2; compare 2 Corinthians 4:4; John 14:30; John 16:11).

Prior to yielding to Christ, all men lived according to their fleshly desires and thoughts. Wicked ways were followed until they became second nature. Such living for self makes one a child of the devil, because he takes on his characteristics, and calls for God's wrath (Romans 3:10; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Romans 1:18-32). Sinful man, then, faces inevitable destruction if his position is not altered (2:3).