Ephesians 2: 4-10
4) But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5) even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6) and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7) so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8) For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9) not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Last week we looked at remaining steadfast through trials. We all face hard times and challenges. Often times we feel like these difficult moments in life just never cease. We never find respite from them, and over time are worn down to the point we just give up, and turn to some form of coping. These coping mechanisms can come in many forms; from alcohol abuse, drugs, gambling, obsession, ect. These can bring a temporary reprieve from our struggles but all coping mechanism turn our problems into greater issues. The only solution is to turn to a God who is bigger than us and can handle all of our problems.
This week I want to take an opportunity to tell you about this God and how he can change your life. I personally have had many ups and downs in my own life. I found myself slowly digging a hole deeper, allowing it to turn into a pit that was leading to destructive tendencies. I was so ignorant to my own situation that I couldn’t even tell I was digging myself into a hole that I would not be able to climb out of. It was not until I saw the walls coming in and my life collapsing that I found God. He brought me out of the pit and completely turned my life around. I grew up thinking I knew God, I thought because I went to church occasionally, and said the right things I knew God. I quickly found out that I was the furthest person from him. Passages like this one in Ephesians, devotions and the caring leadership of men and women that truly knew God really introduced me to him. They helped guide me to understand God and opening up the door for his saving grace to rescue me.
The first thing you must understand is that, you are in the wrong. It’s like those who have a problem similar to drinking. You first must admit you have a problem before the problem can be fixed. We are all sinners, we are all in rebellion from God. Even though we are in rebellion and classified as enemies of God, He still chose to love us. We were helpless and unable to find God, unable to be restored into his grace by our own efforts. We must understand that we cannot save ourselves, and that only God can save us. This requires both an admittance to our helplessness and sinful nature, combined with a belief in God and his ability to save us. 1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
A popular verse that I'm sure most anyone has heard is John 3:16 - 21 - 16) “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17) For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18) Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19) And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20) For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21) But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” The next step is to understand how this salvation comes to us. The answer can be found in this passage. God sent his only son to die for our sins. Now this requires a much deeper understanding that comes with spiritual growth. This growth comes in time with studying the Bible, praying, going to church, and reading devotions similar to these. We won’t go into it all here, but the point is God loves you, and wants to help you. All you must do is turn to him. God has already chosen to save you, the question is will you let him? No amount of good deeds, money, or achievements can save you and/or be used for payment to be saved. Jesus already paid the price for you, and now you must choose to humble yourself and except his charity of salvation 2 Chronicles 7:14.
In the military we understand that our job is to fight and destroy our enemies before they can destroy ourselves, our brother in arms, and in some cases our loved ones back home. We who serve all choose to live this life knowing that the possibility of our life sacrifice might be the Cost. The military has an award which is given to someone who in remarkable ways is willing to sacrifice his life to save the lives of others. This award is called the Medal of Honor. Christ literally died to save all of us and was awarded the Medal of Life that he in turn awards to each of us who believe. Romans 5: 6-9 we were Gods enemies and he did not come to destroy us, but instead came to die for us. He did not seek award or payment, he did not seek revenge, he only seeks us. He longs to have us, to save us and protect us. He is the only one who truly can.
Next we need to understand how Christ’s death saves us, and in all honesty it has very little. Their is symbology associated to the ancient Jewish practices of animal sacrifice to be used as temporary payment of sins, but did not lead to salvation. But, it was not his death that was truly remarkable, the remarkable part of this story is that after being dead Christ overcame death and was brought back to life. He defeated the eternal death to provide us all with the same victory over death and the reward of life. Matthew 28 is where the resurrection is recorded. Christ through his death and resurrection has saved us, and all we have to do is believe, accepting the forgiveness he has provided for us. He promises to be with us always and protect us through our lives on earth and reward his followers with eternal life and celebration.
God wants you to be saved. He does not want you living life blinded, full of sin and in pain. He wants you to live and live eternally with him Ezekiel 18:32, so much so that all of heaven literally celebrates anytime one person turns from their rebellion to God’s saving grace Luke 15:10.
Below here I will post other great scriptures to check out, if you are interested in understanding more. I would also recommend answering the reflection questions at the bottom, and be sure to reach out to us and let us know if you want to receive this salvation. If you have any questions, or need any support please reach out we would love to discuss this further with you.
1. Are you a Christian and have established your belief in Christ Jesus?
2. If you answered yes to the top question have your furthered your growth in studying his word and been baptized? Do you need information on baptism? If so reach out we will help
3. Do you believe, and have not grown in your faith due to a lack of knowledge on how to do so? If so please reach out.
4. Do you feel overwhelmed with life struggles and not understand why?
5. Do you want to be saved but do not understand how this process works? Please reach out.
I encourage you to write down some questions you have, doubts and rebuttals that might be preventing you from taking this step of belief and send them to us.
Verses:
Romans 5:10
2 Timothy 1:9
Romans 5: 6-9
Colossians 2:11-15
2 Chronicles 30: 9
Joel 2:13
Kyle C. Statham
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