April 24, 2013
In the past.
In the past before you were followers of Christ, you lived the way the world lives "following the ruler of evil powers" and doing whatever your sinful selves wanted. But that way of living should be in the past. God's mercy is great. Because of His great love He gave us new life in Christ and we are saved through God's grace which was a free gift from God. Therefore, we are new creations, and we should not be living as we did in the past.
We did not and cannot "earn" our salvation by our own efforts or by what we do or don't do. Christ alone is the One who can save us. But it doesn't stop there. He saves us and creates in us the desire and responsibility through Christ Jesus to do "good works." This was God's plan. It isn't good works that gives us salvation. Our salvation demands good works! And that in turn brings honor and glory to God and fulfills His plans for us. There should be a distinct difference between our past way of living and our new life in Christ.
The Cornerstone demands a life of good works.
Next Entry: Ephesians 3:1–21
In the past.
In the past before you were followers of Christ, you lived the way the world lives "following the ruler of evil powers" and doing whatever your sinful selves wanted. But that way of living should be in the past. God's mercy is great. Because of His great love He gave us new life in Christ and we are saved through God's grace which was a free gift from God. Therefore, we are new creations, and we should not be living as we did in the past.
We did not and cannot "earn" our salvation by our own efforts or by what we do or don't do. Christ alone is the One who can save us. But it doesn't stop there. He saves us and creates in us the desire and responsibility through Christ Jesus to do "good works." This was God's plan. It isn't good works that gives us salvation. Our salvation demands good works! And that in turn brings honor and glory to God and fulfills His plans for us. There should be a distinct difference between our past way of living and our new life in Christ.
"But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away from God are brought near through the blood of Christ's death. Christ himself is our peace." Ephesians 2:13–14Christ's message of peace was for "those who were far away from God, and to those who were near to God." (Ephesians 2:17) He is the cornerstone that our lives should be built upon. If He isn't the foundation then our lives will crumble. He is either the cornerstone (the first and most important stone in a building), or He isn't. You cannot live a life of deceit, lies, grudges, deception, etc. and have your life built upon Christ.
The Cornerstone demands a life of good works.
Next Entry: Ephesians 3:1–21
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