Religion Or Christ?
Ephesians 2:1-10 (Contemporary English Version)
From Death to Life
1In the past you were dead because you sinned and fought against God. 2You followed the ways of this world and obeyed the devil. He rules the world, and his spirit has power over everyone who doesn't obey God. 3Once we were also ruled by the selfish desires of our bodies and minds. We had made God angry, and we were going to be punished like everyone else.
4-5But God was merciful! We were dead because of our sins, but God loved us so much that he made us alive with Christ, and God's wonderful kindness is what saves you. 6God raised us from death to life with Christ Jesus, and he has given us a place beside Christ in heaven. 7God did this so that in the future world he could show how truly good and kind he is to us because of what Christ Jesus has done. 8You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. [a] This is God's gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own. 9It isn't something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about. 10God planned for us to do good things and to live as he has always wanted us to live. That's why he sent Christ to make us what we are.
Reflection of Bee:
Before we accept Christ, we could not see how sinful we were. But after we have accepted the salvation of God through faith and read His words daily, we could see how sinful we once were. The things we once thought were harmless are actually things the devil used to control our thoughts and caused us to sin.
This salvation comes as the grace of God towards us and not because of our good works, and we have nothing to boast about. Someone has paid the price.... He is Jesus Christ... through His blood.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for giving me Your salvation freely. Let me also share it freely with others that they may also receive Your grace too. I pray that You will guide me in my dealing with people around me that I will use every opportunity to share Your love.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Reflection of Tommy:
From today’s passage, does it mean that as Christian, we have the option to do or not to do good works? Although no action or work can earn us our salvation, but when we accept Christ it will result in us wanting to do good as a respond of gratitude, praise and joy. And we will know then, revealed by the Holy Spirit, that we are saved not merely for our own benefit but to serve Him and others, building up the church.
Dear Father, thank You for revealing all these great truths to me. Thank You for Your unmerited grace that allow a sinner like me to be reconciled with You. Guide me to never stop learning and apply Your Word in my daily life, serving You and others with love for the extension of Your kingdom. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
