3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
Ephesians 1:3-6 The whole purpose of our salvation is that we be “holy and blameless before God.” To continue to live in sin as a Christian, is to live in contrary to God’s very purpose for our salvation. Holiness is not necessary as a condition of salvation because that would be salvation by works. Holiness is a byproduct of a new life in Christ. Because of what Jesus has done on the cross and the resurrection, He has defeated death and the grave so we can experience the holiness of God. With that in mind, look at what Paul says, 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Titus 2:11-14 At salvation, we not only receive forgiveness for our sins, but we also experience freedom from sin’s dominion. We receive a new life of desire to be pleasing to God. Everyone, then, who professes to be a Christian should ask themselves these questions: Is there evidence of the holiness of God in my life? Do I desire to strive after holiness? The goal of a holy life is not to blend into the world, rather, it is to be set apart by God to do works of righteousness. I pray that as we enter into this Easter season, that God help me to love others more, serve them more, and reflect a Jesus in all of my conversations. May our lives be characterized by the holiness of God and when you invite someone to church in the next few weeks, they will be drawn to say yes. I am looking forward to Palm Sunday with the Body of Christ. Joy in Jesus! Pastor Mike
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Rev. Mike McClurgSenior Pastor, Findlay First Church of the Nazarene Archives
March 2020
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