Ephesians 2: to understand Gods grace we must understand we are children of wrath

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
(Ephesians 2:1-3 ESV)

Some of my favorite bible verse follow this in Ephesians about how we are saved by grace through faith. Yet to fully understand, appreciate and accept our salvation and the immeasurable heights of Gods grace we must first accept we are children of wrath.

This is hard for me to accept because I don't like hearing I am truly evil by nature and the only thing I deserve Iis death and wrath. I like to think I am a good person. But to believe Jesus is also to believe we are all utterly sinful. For even Jesus said there is no one good but God alone. We are all sinners and that defined us in life and eternity without Christ.

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:23 ESV)

Our only hope is in Christ who is our righteousness. He is the one who is both he judge and just and yet also the justifier. He is our judge who condemns sin and yet takes the place at the gallows for us when we are sentenced to death.

But even this week as I struggle with processing a break up with a girlfriend I see the sin in my heart. Sometimes I resist and sometimes I give in. But that is my very nature that I follow the way of the world and the devil. I often follow the desires and passions of my heart and body and mind.

Yet despite all this there is hope because through Christ I am forgiven. He is my righteousness and the Spirit of Christ is at work in me even now. And so I say come Holy Spirit convict me of sin and change my heart. As I try to walk faithfully and righteously empower me to do so by Christ and not by anything in my power. And let all the praise be to you God!

As I grow in understanding of the spiritual reality of my sin, death and wrath please Lord grow my understanding and appreciation for your grace upon grace that you have saved me and forgiven me! Give me faith! Lord I believe, help my unbelief!
Amen