Marriage and Family Meditations XLVII (47)
Psalm 104:34 May my meditation be sweet to Him; I will be glad in the LORD.
Cornerstone Ministries Napa Valley
Christian Relationships
Marriage–Christ and the Church
Choice that Divides (Death or Life)
Dear Family and Friends,
In the previous blog on this site we considered the division of man into two categories. According to the Bible there are those who have found forgiveness and salvation in Jesus Christ, and are now called “children of God”, and there are those who yet remain lost in sin, “children of the devil”, who are under the condemnation and judgment of God. 1 John 3:10 – 23
In Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians we are reminded of the reality of this in our own lives as Christians.
Ephesians 2 – 10 “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For 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. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
Most of us have grieved over the loss of a loved one. Coming to grips with death is the most challenging and troubling event in a persons life, a constant reminder of our finiteness and mortality. Most people would want to have the power to bring back to life a loved parent, child, other family member, or friend who has died, yet we understand that we are powerless to do such a miraculous thing. But… what we can not do, God has done in all of us who choose in faith to believe and receive our Creators gift of Life. This precious gift of life is the only thing that a dying world needs, and we who are alive in Christ Jesus have the gift of life in Christ to offer to those who are dead in sin. We are His workmanship called to carry on His good work which God has prepared for us to live out.
The Choice that divides is a choice of faith in God who offers us forgiveness and redemption from sin and death, by being “born again” through Spirit of life in Christ Jesus..
Titus 2: 11 -14 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.
May we all choose faithfully to walk in the good work of God who wants to impart His life through us to a dying world and use us to redeem those who are lost in sin back to Himself.
Blessings to All in Christ Jesus Vince
