Note 12 at Eph. 2:5: This is an amazing, unconditional act of love performed by God in Christ. This didn't happen after we had straightened up our life, but while we were dead in sins we were raised in Christ. The following is a literal paraphrase based upon Greek and English meanings of verses 4-5.

"Even when we were spiritually dead because of our sins, God's forbearance was working on our behalf. He was tolerant, patient and kind towards us. God abounded in excessive proportion with good will, compassion, and desire to help us. His disposition was kind, compassionate, and forgiving in His treatment of us. He wanted in abundant supply to alleviate our distress and bring relief from our sins. He did this by giving us life in place of death. It was with Christ that this salvation was secured. By grace, kindness, and favor we are saved. All of this was the result of God's extremely large degree of love wherewith He loved us, always seeking the welfare and betterment of us. God likes us" (Don Krow).

Note 13 at Eph. 2:5: Notice that verse 5 stresses the fact that "by grace ye are saved." This is clearly illustrated by Paul's description of us as being dead. Dead people can't help themselves. They can't move, talk, or respond in any way because they have no life. We were GIVEN life through Christ when we were dead in our sins. This was an act of grace independent of our efforts and works (Rom. 3:27; 11:6). God gave Christ's life to us who were dead in sin. Truly salvation rests in the work of God through Christ alone.