Ephesians 2:1-10 (NIV) reads,
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
If you read Monday's Mention this week (click here if you didn't) you know that I had the opportunity to spend three days with some of the inmates at the prison in Marion County. This passage makes me think about something one of the inmates said on the last day. He said:
"People say I should be proud of who I am in Christ,
but I'm proud of who Christ is in me!"
but I'm proud of who Christ is in me!"
However, add the power of God in Christ and EVERYTHING changes. We're alive. We're new creations. We're changed by God to do good works.
An unexpected lesson for sure.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.