After following Christ for a number of years, it is easy to take for granted this new life I lead. Seeing how often the Scriptures use the word remember, I suppose forgetfulness is common to the fallen human being. That’s why a return to the truths of Ephesians 2 can be extremely helpful. Let’s take a look.
Who Are We Apart from Christ?
First of all, what was I? Apart from Christ, the description is not complimentary–AT ALL! Dead in sins and transgressions, following the ways of the world, following Satan, as far as God is concerned, a child of wrath!! Really? Wrath? Me? I’m not that bad, am I?
Yes, I was, and so are you, or so you were. The truth is that apart from Christ this is every human. No wonder the world is such a mess! BUT GOD…….
But God…
There may be no more beautiful words in all the Bible than these–BUT GOD. Actually, this expression is used in the Bible more than 650 times!! But God changes everything. Why? Because of His nature, because of who He is. He is full of mercy. Not just a tad merciful, but FULL of mercy! That means because of Him we don’t get what we deserve-death. Add to His mercy, love, grace, and kindness. But keep in mind, every attribute of the Lord He has in its fullest measure! Full of love, full of grace, full of kindness. All of which led Him to the cross, on our behalf.
Blessings of Life in Christ
So what am I now? No longer under wrath, I have been made a child of the King. I was dead but have been made alive. I was following the world and the devil, but now I am following the Lord. I have been raised to new life given the privilege of sitting with Him in the heavenlies. His kindness and grace are breathtaking. To take wretched, miserable sinners and raise them to life is shocking. But then He gives us good works to do to bring Him glory. He lets me bring Him glory. Let the shock and awe of that rest on you for a bit. And then, there is eternity!! The blessings of this life are tremendous, but as the hymn writer said, it is just a foretaste of glory divine. The best really is yet to come!!
Are You Struggling? Let these Truths Lift You!
So what are you struggling with today? Sickness? Failure? Sorrow? Fear, worry, and anxiety? This world is hard, and the struggles are real. But there is always hope, and a change of mind is always the way to access the hope and peace He promises. You were utterly lost, and now you are utterly found. INFINITELY LOVED, TOTALLY ACCEPTED, COMPLETELY FORGIVEN. Rejoice!
By Holly Carr