Slices
Prepare
‘Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God’ (Romans 11:22). Which of these two divine qualities are you most conscious of now?
Bible passage
Made alive in Christ
2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Explore
The gospel writers are very clear that Jesus really died. They record his last breath, his final cry, the spear thrust into his abdomen, the separated blood and serum released, and the inspection of the body by an experienced centurion. Only by divine ‘mighty strength’ (1:19) could life return to this body.
In the same way, this passage presses home the spiritual deadness of humanity. Without Christ, we are ‘dead in our transgressions and sins’ (v 1). These are not uncharacteristic glitches: they are habitual. We are dominated by systemic spiritual death and darkness, at the mercy of our sinful cravings (vs 2,3). It takes divine power to make spiritually dead people alive.
But more than power is needed. Spiritually dead people can look very much alive as they go about their daily lives. Spiritual death is defined in relation to our one source of life, God. We deserve his wrath (v 3). What we need is found in the emphatic and repeated statement, ‘by grace you have been saved’ (vs 5,8). Thank God that he is ‘rich in mercy’ (v 4).
God doesn’t just rescue us from sin and raise us to new life in Christ. He restores us to our true purpose (v 10).
Respond
What does it mean for you to be ‘God’s handiwork’? What ‘good works’ may he have prepared in advance for you to do today (v 10)?
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Ezekiel 22,23; Psalms 120–122
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for the development and impact of resources confirmed for 2027 including Diary of a Disciple (John), Stepping Stones Illustrated Bible, and Reveal: 365 Days Bible Reading Guide for Children. Pray for wisdom and creativity for those working on them and that these resources would help children engage with Scripture in life-changing ways.
Help children discover the heart of Christmas
Give children more than the excitement of Christmas. Help them discover the hope, joy and good news of Jesus through fun, engaging and easy-to-use resources for children, families, churches and schools.
Whether you’re planning a Christmas event, session, gift or outreach, these resources make it simple to share the true meaning of Christmas in ways children can connect with and remember.
Ready to share the heart of Christmas?
🎄 Find your Christmas resources
📘 Also available from your local Christian bookshop.
