In Ephesians 2:1, the phrase “You hath he quickened” marks a significant spiritual transformation. The word “quickened” isn’t commonly used in today’s language, so it’s important to understand its meaning.
According to the 1828 Webster’s Dictionary, “quickened” means “made alive” or “revived.” In a biblical sense, it refers to being brought to life spiritually, signifying the new life that believers receive through Christ.
When God quickens us, He puts spiritual life into us. We are no longer dead in trespasses and sins, but alive in Christ. Our dead spirit is made alive!
This transformation impacts both our physical and spiritual existence. Let’s look at four key changes that occur when we are quickened, two physical and two spiritual, as outlined in Ephesians 2:2-3.
1. Walk According to the Course of this World (Physical)
Before being quickened, our physical walk follows the course of this world. Ephesians 2:2 says, “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world.”
This refers to our general behavior that aligns with worldly values and desires. We are selfish, greedy, prideful and arrogant.
We would say things like “I must put myself first” or “I am just following my heart.”
God was not at the center of our life. He was not even part of the conversation!
When we are quickened, our physical walk is redirected. We no longer follow the sinful patterns of the world but seek to walk in obedience to God. The quickening changes our direction, leading us to a new path that honors Christ.
2. Following the Spirit from the Prince of this World (Spiritual)
Ephesians 2:2 also mentions “according to the price of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.”
Before being quickened, we are influenced by the Satan, leading us away from God. After we are saved, we begin to see the wicked lies of Satan for what they are and we understand the negative impact they have on our life.
When God quickens us, this spirit changes. The Holy Spirit begins to work within us, transforming our hearts and minds. This spiritual change is crucial because it reorients our desires and affections toward God, empowering us to live a life that pleases Him.
3. Our Conversation in Times Past in the Lusts of our Flesh (Physical)
Ephesians 2:3 speaks of our past life, where we “had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh.”
This conversation refers to our manner of living or our lifestyle.
Before being quickened, our lifestyle was dominated by the flesh, pursuing sinful desires. But when God quickens us, our lifestyle changes.
We no longer live to satisfy the flesh but seek to live according to the Spirit. This change is visible in how we conduct ourselves daily, reflecting the new life we have in Christ.
4. We Were By Nature the Children of Wrath (Spiritual)
Finally, Ephesians 2:3 reveals that we were “by nature the children of wrath.”
Our very nature was opposed to God, deserving of His judgment. But when God quickens us, our nature changes. We are no longer children of wrath but children of God. This transformation changes our identity.
We become new creatures in Christ, with a new nature that seeks to glorify God.
The quickening work of God is a powerful transformation that affects every part of our being. Physically, our walk and lifestyle change, as we no longer follow the world but pursue a life that honors God.
Spiritually, our spirit and nature are transformed, as we move from disobedience to obedience, from being children of wrath and Satan to children of God.
This is the miracle of salvation, and it all begins with God quickening us, bringing us from death to life through Jesus Christ.
