Here is a snippet from a good book I am reading "Discipled Warriors" by Chuck Lawless.
In a world where religious pluralism is increasingly accepted, it is imperative that we keep in mind that our position "in Christ" depends on Him alone (John 14:6, Acts 4:12). We who were dead in our sins without hope apart from the grace of God (Ephesians 2:1-9). Only by grace through faith in Him are we "in Christ" (Ephesians 2:8-9).
In Christ, we are graciously the children of God. We were "by nature children of wrath," but God loved us with a "great love"(Ephesians 2:3-4) that "surpasses knowledge" (Ephesians 3:19). god chose and adopted us "according to the kind intention of His will" (Ephesians 1:4-5). He gave us eternal life and made us "fellow citizens with the saints" (Ephesians 2:19). His love is so great for us that we ultimately cannot comprehend its magnitude.
Furthermore, we are sealed in Him with the Spirit (Ephesians 1:13). We have been created in Him for good works (Ephesians 2:10). he alone is the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20); it is He who puts the church together (Ephesians 2:20-22). A healthy church teaches that eternal salvation is available only through a personal relationship with Jesus.
Focusing on such grace has at least three benefits. First, believers who begin to understand the depth of God's grace are less likely to boast (Ephesians 2:9). Pride weakens a church's health, producing strife and division (see 1 Corinthians 1:11-13; 3:1-4; 11:18-19). Members who realize their worth only in God's grace serve with a Christlike humility. Second, believers who appreciate grace resist temptation. If I view my sin as offending a holy God who died for me (Romans 5:8), I should be willing to sin less, not more (Romans 6:1-2).
In a world where religious pluralism is increasingly accepted, it is imperative that we keep in mind that our position "in Christ" depends on Him alone (John 14:6, Acts 4:12). We who were dead in our sins without hope apart from the grace of God (Ephesians 2:1-9). Only by grace through faith in Him are we "in Christ" (Ephesians 2:8-9).
In Christ, we are graciously the children of God. We were "by nature children of wrath," but God loved us with a "great love"(Ephesians 2:3-4) that "surpasses knowledge" (Ephesians 3:19). god chose and adopted us "according to the kind intention of His will" (Ephesians 1:4-5). He gave us eternal life and made us "fellow citizens with the saints" (Ephesians 2:19). His love is so great for us that we ultimately cannot comprehend its magnitude.
Furthermore, we are sealed in Him with the Spirit (Ephesians 1:13). We have been created in Him for good works (Ephesians 2:10). he alone is the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20); it is He who puts the church together (Ephesians 2:20-22). A healthy church teaches that eternal salvation is available only through a personal relationship with Jesus.
Focusing on such grace has at least three benefits. First, believers who begin to understand the depth of God's grace are less likely to boast (Ephesians 2:9). Pride weakens a church's health, producing strife and division (see 1 Corinthians 1:11-13; 3:1-4; 11:18-19). Members who realize their worth only in God's grace serve with a Christlike humility. Second, believers who appreciate grace resist temptation. If I view my sin as offending a holy God who died for me (Romans 5:8), I should be willing to sin less, not more (Romans 6:1-2).
- We are God's children (Ephesians 1:5)
- We have been bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
- We have redemption and the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:14)
- We have been sealed with His Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:21-22)
- We can do all things through Him (Philippians 4:13)
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