God’s Masterpiece

In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he summarizes the Good News in just a few sentences.

 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead…
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.  Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.  (Ephesians 4:4-5, 8-10)

 Notice the order of events here:
1. God is rich in mercy and love for us WHILE we are dead in our sins…
Salvation from sin does NOT come through God’s wrath or disgust in us. God is Love and looks upon his children with mercy. Notice how God’s love takes precedence over our sin.

 2. God gives us life by the power of resurrection…God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.
Our salvation results from a powerful cosmic force. This force of Love redeems all of creation and makes ALL things new. How can we possibly take credit for this? The question is this; Do you trust in God’s Love? Do you believe that such power exists?

 3. For we are God’s masterpiece…created anew in Christ…to do good things God planned for us long ago.
Our good works are a result of being created anew in Christ. Know this, you are loved and in Christ you are made new. Once you accept this, you are then capable of being all that God created you to be. God’s Masterpiece.

See You Sunday!
Missy