But GOD, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in Heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of GOD: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Eph 2:4-10)
We cannot save ourselves, for if we could Christ would not have had to die in our place. We cannot earn any favour with GOD, for then it would not be grace or His gift to us, purchased in His own blood. We cannot affect our Salvation, or our relationship with GOD once we truly have it through repentance of our sins and faith in Him, for it is by His power and His Spirit changing us from once we once were into what He wants us to become in Him. All those things we once thought and did are buried at the Cross for those who repent and believe. Our past is behind us, covered by His blood, and as far from GOD as the east is from the west, forgiven, not to sIn willfully any more or continue in sIn, but to live in liberty and love through and for Him and to accomplish His will and work in this sinful and broken world.
We who are His, in obedience to His Word and the Spirit of GOD who guides us, go and minister, as His ambassadors to those who are hurting and in need, that they might see Jesus in us, the hope of Glory. We who are His, resting in Him as He works in us both to do and to will of His good pleasure, love one another in the unity of the Spirit and the fellowship of His saints. We who are His, in submission to His commission of His own, go and tell the Good News, and as we go where He sends us we tell every one we meet of our Saviour and Lord so that those who believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ and repent might have life in His Name.
For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD with forgiveness and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet