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— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus[.] Ephesians 2:4-6
This morning, I pause my study of 1 Corinthians to use DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, which today explores the the pre-salvation state of believers and how our salvation is a "totally unconditional and utterly free act of God....This freedom is the very heart of grace." In describing our pre-salvation state, John Piper shares that "we were dead to God. We were unresponsive; we had no true spiritual taste or interest; we had no spiritual eyes for the beauties of Christ; we were simply dead to all that ultimately matters." Piper then shares that "[t]hen God acted — unconditionally — before we could do anything to be fit vessels of his presence. He made us alive. He sovereignly awakened us from the sleep of spiritual death, to see the glory of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:4). The spiritual senses that were dead, miraculously came to life." Using Ephesians 2:4-6, Piper then emphasizes "the free-ness of grace" by pointing to verse 5 (and how Paul says the same thing in v8). Piper concludes the devotion by sharing rhetorically a question that looks at believers' election and says an "what act could be more one-sidedly free and non-negotiated than one person raising another from the dead! This is the meaning of grace." Soak in this grace and love God for being rich in mercy!
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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for - saving me! Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such grace and compassion and mercy. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
