Charles Spurgeon Commentary Ephesians 2:3

"among whom we also all once lived in the lust of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest:--" — Ephesians 2:3 (ASV)

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

No difference by nature between the brightest saint in the church of God and the blackest sinner of the camp of Satan. All are fallen, all desperately depraved in our original state. What wonders of grace are those who are saved! Let them take care that they never fail in praising that grace.

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Not children of God, even as some profanely assert when they talk about the universal fatherhood of God. You were children of wrath, even as others.

And the best of men were no better than others by nature. They were as dead, as much under the influence of Satan, as much under the influence of the lusts of the flesh as others are who are left where they are.

It is only sovereign grace that makes us differ. Were by nature, not by error; by nature, not by a mistake, not by a few actions, but by nature, the children of wrath, even as others.

See what you used to be. Let this make you humble.

See what you would have been. Let this make you grateful. You hath he quickened. He has put life into you. He has made you leave your graves. He has made you come from under the dominion of Satan and the devices of your own heart. Will you not bless his name tonight?

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

That is the highest point to which human nature can attain; left to itself, it makes us "children of wrath." Even those who are now most assuredly the children of God were once the children of wrath; there was no difference, in that respect, between them and the rest of mankind. It is only the marvelous mercy and grace of God which have made us to differ from our fellow-creatures who are still "dead in trespasses and sins."

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

You who now commune with God at the mercy-seat, you who are now his favored children and have received power to become the sons of God, you were once heirs of wrath: By nature the children of wrath, even as others. Holy Scripture is not complimentary to unrenewed human nature. You may search it through and through to find a single flattering word to unregenerate man; but you will search in vain.

This style of speech is left to those who reject divine inspiration. They draw their inspiration from another source, from a desire to walk according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air. They can use flattering speeches in addressing the ungodly; but the Holy Ghost never does.