Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.” Isaiah 6:8 NLT
Tell a Newborn Believer – About Blessings from the Father to the Elect
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* The Bible says that in our natural sinful state, we are enemies of God. And, only God can prepare a heart to accept Jesus Christ.
‘For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life.’ Romans 5:10 NIV
* When we have heard the Word of truth and accept his son’s sacrifice, our sins are forgiven, and we are righteous before God.
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteous in God.’ 2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV
* A Divine Exchange takes place at the foot of the cross; our old sin nature for His perfect new one, a gift which cannot be earned.
‘Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!’ 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
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’Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.’ Ephesians 1:3 NIV
Blessings from the Father to the Elect
Ephesians 1:4-6 NIV ‘composed by God and penned by the Apostle Paul, is the equivalent of only one Greek language sentence. Ephesians 1:15-22 finishes the chapter.
This chapter’s impact and meaning cannot be overstated. God promises that these Spiritual Blessings be given to believers who are, Followers of Christ, instantly at the time of redemption.
For he chose us in him, before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In His love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.’
Did You Know of? Blessings from God the Father for the Followers of Christ
1. Did you know that God chose us in him before the creation of the world? We were created in his image and were meant to be Followers of Christ. Nothing can separate us from his love. He has always known and loved us. God has a plan for us and gives us a hope for the future, all before he said, “Let their Light”. From verse 4.
2. Did you know that we are holy and blameless in God’s sight? When God looks upon us, he sees only his son, Jesus. How much Jesus do you have in you? We are righteous when we are Followers of Christ. From verse 4.
3. Did you know that are in His (God’s) love? It is called agape love. We are loved unconditionally and we don’t even have to earn it. In fact, we cannot earn it. All we have to do is receive it and remain Followers of Christ. Then, we can give it away as it was given to us. Read the Bible for instructions. From verse 4.
4. Did you know that we were predestined to adoption into sonship? As Followers of Christ, we have been set for adoption and thus receive all inheritances, including those of His Son. Can the love of God be comprehended? From verse 5.
5. Did you know that we have always been beloved and accepted by his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves? When we are Followers of Christ, we are loved just as He loves his son. We are not rejected, nor will we be cast out. From verse 6.
A Lesson Learned?
When we give our testimonies, we should always be sure to tell a new or unbeliever of the above blessings that are completely undeserved, yet have been given to us. All we have to do is to be Followers of Christ and accept them.
To be a Follower of Christ means the Father has accepted Christ’s sacrifice as payment for our sin (Justification). Our rap sheets contained every sinful thought, attitude, or action we have ever committed. No amount of self-cleansing could have made us pure enough to warrant forgiveness and a relationship with a holy God. Because God cannot look upon sin.
Are you ready to go and tell God’s story to an unbelieving world?