Were all of us, including believers, once children of wrath living in the desires of the flesh?
Yes. Paul writes that among the disobedient we all once lived in the desires of the flesh, fulfilling the flesh and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as others. But God, rich in mercy, quickened us together with Christ.
Les explains that the phrase “among whom also we all” includes believers; no one escaped this condition. In times past they had their manner of living in the lusts or desires of the flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. Les emphasizes the contrast: Paul does not say “but you” or “but I,” but “But God.” As Israel was locked in at the Red Sea and told to stand still and see God’s salvation, so God opened the way. He is rich in mercy, and because of His great love, even when we were dead, hopeless, and helpless, He quickened us together with Christ. Salvation is by grace through faith, not of yourselves.
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
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.
More Questions
What were we like before we became believers according to Ephesians 2:2?
Before becoming a believer, a person walked according to the course of this world and was no different from everybody else.