Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Truth Breeds Gratitude


As our hearts and minds grow in the understanding of what Christ has saved us from, we are filled with undeniable gratitude for the mercies of God. When we receive clarity from the Bible concerning what is true of everyone who is apart from Christ, we are filled with compassion and urgency to share the Gospel (Good News). 

The Bible says those who are not in Christ, are alienated from God and enemies in their mind. "Good people" and "bad people" alike, who have not put their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, are alienated from God and enemies in their mind. These are strong words, and they may even bring up offense in your heart. I encourage you talk to the Lord about this.But, there's great news...

Colossians 1:21-23 NKJV
"And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister."

Those who have not given their lives to Christ (put their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation/reconciliation with God) are subject to the wrath of God (Eph 2). This is why Jesus became a curse for us, so that He would bear our penalty in His body for our sins. There is a penalty for sin (Rom 6:23). Either you let Christ bear your penalty (through the cross), or you will be responsible to bear it. Praise God, for those who are currently alienated from God, as we were, awaits the opportunity to be reconciled to God through faith in Jesus Christ. Through faith in Jesus we become holy, blameless, and above reproach.

Those who are not in Christ are alienated from God and enemies in their mind. 

Prayer: God, show us what You saved us from and what You saved us unto. Please give us a spirit of wisdom and revelation. Let us with tenderness share the Gospel with others, bearing witness that though we too were your enemies, You made a way for us to be made right with God through faith in Your Son Jesus. Amen.