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Published byGinger Goodwin Modified over 9 years ago
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A Positive Outlook Romans 3:23
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Consider The Ephesians They are described in desperate condition Dead in trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1) Walking with world and the devil (Eph. 2:2) Fulfilling the desires of the flesh and mind (Eph. 2:3) “sons of disobedience” “children of wrath”
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Yet, the saints at Ephesus are described as: “Holy and without blame” (Eph. 1:4) Received the “adoption of children” (Eph. 1:5) “Accepted” by God (Eph. 1:6) How can this be?
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Explained As Salvation By Grace Through Faith (Eph. 2:4-10) Begins with the great love of God (v. 4) Grace & mercy are founded upon the great love God has for all (Jn. 3:16; Rom. 5:6) This love is not because of who we are, but who God is (1 Jn. 4:8-10) Involves the “rich mercy” of God (v. 4) “Mercy” is defined by Vine as “the outward manifestation of pity” Available to all (cf. 1 Tim. 2:3-4; 2 Peter 3:9)
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Involves being “quickened … together” with Christ (v. 5) Those who were dead are made alive (v. 1) The “with Christ” aspect is fully explained in Colossians 2:11-13 Involves being “raised up together with Christ” (vv.6-7) We should refer back to Ephesians 1:20 Speaks of a position in a spiritual realm We enjoy specialized blessings now (Eph. 1:3) Even more “in that which is to come” (Eph. 1:21)
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Involves “faith” and not meritorious works (vv. 8-9) Salvation is first and foremost “by grace” Salvation is “the gift of God” Salvation is “according to His mercy He saved us...” (Titus 3:5) Salvation is not without obedience (Heb. 5:9) Salvation is not an “entitlement” Salvation is by grace through faith which includes “an appeal to God for a good conscience” (1 Peter 3:21, NASB, ESV)
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Involves being “created … unto good works” (v. 10) God has “ordained that we should walk in them” Be a people diligent in good works (Titus 2:11-14) Therefore, the people of God should... “…be ready for every good work” (Titus 3:1) “…be careful to maintain good works” (Titus 3:8) “…learn to maintain good works” (Titus 3:14)
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A Truly Remarkable Transformation “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Cor. 5:17) It is “by grace through faith” that... “Children of wrath” can become “children of God”! “Sons of disobedience” can “receive the adoption as children” of God! We can be “accepted” by God!
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If you are a Christian you should have a positive outlook The gospel certainly does! Why would anyone who has been saved by God’s grace continue to operate under a clog and cloud of doom and gloom? (1 Peter 2:9)
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