It
seems like one of the verses that I hear most often is Ephesians 2:8-9.
In
much of the world, a major problem in Christianity is what I call the “I-prayed-a-prayer-to-accept-Jesus-so-now-I’m-OK”
style of being a believer. One of the many sad results of this way of thinking about conversion
is that it all starts & ends with the “Sinner’s Prayer.” Once that’s marked
off the checklist, the “new believer” is free to go on his merry way. Maybe you
know a few “Christians” like that.
It’s
vital to be aware of what the verse immediately following, because it shows that our
salvation experience is only the beginning of a new life which has been designed
by God from eternity past.
This
has meaning for me personally, because when I began to follow Christ at the age
of 18, I had no idea that I would be involved a few decades later in mentoring
pastors on the other side of the world. It’s true that God’s plan for us is
beyond our wildest dreams.
Another
aspect of this is the consideration that the Book of Ephesians wasn’t written
to an individual – it was written to a congregation.
There are common rather
than just individual considerations to think about here. God’s plan for the
believer involves being part of the community of believers. It is in those
relationships, during the hard times & the good times, that we grow
spiritual & experience the grace of God. As we serve one another, we
participate in the fulfillment of God’s eternal plan.
Believer, make sure that your story of Ephesians 2:10 gets told. Others need you & are depending on you.
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