A Primer On Election - Part 5

This is the final post in our primer on election. I look forward to moving on to other theological issues as we continue to look at some of the most important sermons and artciles available. At the end ogf this post there is a link to a free PDF of the book "This Great Salvation" which I recommend you read if you are interested in pursuing this topic further.

Who Makes The First Move? (continued)

#8: Changed by God

Before starting this blog, did you realize how much God had done in you and for you? You have been totally transformed! Once you were dead in sin and doomed to eternal destruction. Now you’re alive in Christ and destined to spend eternity in the glorious presence of God. That’s no small change, as the Bible explains: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:17-18).

Most Christians are happy just to know God has taken away their sins. But that’s only half of the good news. Not only has something been taken away—something has been added as well. Because you are now united with Christ, his divine nature is in you.

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness, through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. (2 Peter 1:3-4)

That’s what you call CHANGE! Since we’ve covered a lot of ground in this first chapter, let’s close with a quick review. Before God had even created the world, he chose you to be his child. He was intimately involved in creating you according to his own unique design. But your condition alienated you from God; you were dead in sin, unable to save yourself or even seek God. Then, in an act of infinite, undeserved mercy, God called you to himself by the gospel and made you spiritually alive through regeneration.

You responded to his call through conversion when you put your trust in Christ (faith) and began a life of submitted obedience (repentance). Now you are in Christ, united with him forever. God has justified you and cleansed you from the stain of sin. And because of God’s work in you, you have been dramatically changed. You are a new creation!

Once you were spiritually dead; now you are spiritually alive. Once you were an enemy of God; now he has made you his friend. Once you were incapable of pleasing God; now his divine power is at work in you, helping you triumph over sin. At every point God has taken the initiative to accomplish your salvation! Remember that the next time you sin. Remember that when life’s waves crash against you with pulverizing force. Remember that and be at peace, knowing your Creator and Savior holds you eternally in his hand.

Recommended Reading: This Great Salvation by C.J. Mahaney and Robin Boisvert is available for free download on my website ImportantMessages.org