June 19, 2008

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.

--Ephesians 2:4-5

Are you living the good life today? If you are a believer, you’ve not only been rescued from death… you’ve also been given abundant life!

In Ephesians 2:1 it says, “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins…” This Scripture explains exactly what condition you were in before you met Christ—you were dead!

After Adam and Eve rebelled against God, they were separated from Him… and they experienced spiritual and physical death. In the same way, you and I were once separated from God because of our disobedience, and we were living in a state of spiritual death.

But that was never the way God wanted it to be! And so our verse today says in His great mercy, God made a way for you and me to be reconciled to Him. He laid upon Jesus the punishment that was due to us, and enabled us to experience abundant life once again.

Isn’t that amazing? You may have heard the gospel message a thousand times… but let it touch your heart again every time you hear it!

It can be easy to forget how much God has saved you from in this life. But there are three sinister forces that once held you captive… the world, the flesh, and the devil. And Jesus has set you free from all of these!

Is it any wonder we call the Christian life the good life? You and I have been rescued from a life of darkness and now we’re seated with Christ in the heavenlies! He is exalted and everything is under His feet… and He has chosen for you to share in His victory, not only now, but forever.

Remind yourself of that when you’re having a bad day! In fact, I encourage you to remind yourself of what Jesus has done for you every day… by taking you from death to life—and abundant life at that!

TAKE TIME OUT OF YOUR BUSY DAY TODAY TO REMEMBER WHAT OUR LORD JESUS HAS SAVED YOU FROM!