Ephesians 1:1-8 Jesus willingly left behind His divinity and for our sake took on the limitations of the human form. Second Corinthians 8:9 tells us that He became poor in order that we might have the riches of grace. As a result, we are: Chosen. God made us part of His plan from the beginning (Ephesians 1:5). He chose us to belong to Him even though we did not deserve it. Redeemed. Jesus paid the price to buy us from the marketplace of sin so that we might no longer be held in its bondage. Our redemption price was His death (1 Peter 1:18-19). Justified. We are all guilty of disobedience against God. However, upon our trusting in Jesus as our personal Savior, God declares that we are justified, and He treats us as not guilty (Romans 3:23, 28). Reconciled. Because of our sin, we were at odds with God. Through Christ, we have been brought back into a right relationship with Him (2 Corinthians 5:18). Forgiven. God has already forgiven all our past, present, and future sins; it's a "done deal." Ongoing confession and repentance keep us in intimate communion with Him (1 John 1:7, 9). Freed from condemnation. The Law was given for us to understand God's standards, our inability to keep them, and our need of a Savior. Jesus fulfilled the law, and His finished work counts on our behalf. We are, then, free to pursue holiness without fear of condemnation when we fail (Romans 8:1-2). True riches are spiritual in nature, and grace has made us wealthy people. For which of these are you most thankful?

Bookmark: