The Bible says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) We have been saved by God’s grace which includes forgiveness our sins, salvation, and reconciliation from God as a gift. Salvation is not earned by works, but it is given to us through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Without Christ, we are all spiritually dead (cut off from God).
The Lord our God is the only one who brings us back into a right relationship with Himself. Romans 5:12-14 says, “Therefore, just as sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned – For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed where there is no law. Nevertheless, death reigned from Adam to Moses, ever over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.”
Though we were dead spiritually, God loved us. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish bur have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
Because of God’s mercy and grace and out of His great love for us, He provided an everlasting cure for sin. God “made us alive in Christ.” Therefore, we are saved “by God’s grace.” “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears; then you also will appear with Him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4)
Scripture Verses for Mediation:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
“For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but My kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace be removed, says the LORD, who has mercy on you.” (Isaiah 54:10)
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:17)
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all mane, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.” (Titus 2:11-12)
“My grace is sufficient for you for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
“Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:5)
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your amazing grace and love You have given us through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. When we are born again, our spiritual selves become connected to Christ and go with Him through death and resurrection. Members of the body of Christ shall be seated in heavenly realms with Christ our Lord, to see the fullness and the riches of God’s amazing grace! God, we thank You for Your incredible goodness toward us through Christ Jesus. Thank You, Lord God for raising us up from spiritual death and for giving us new life in Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
All Scripture verses are taken from the New King James Version of the Bible.
By Constance A. Burns, NAAV Contributor for Moments of Meditation and Scriptural Readings; email: cburns@naavets.org