THE PATH TO FORGIVENESS
Ephesians 2:1–10
I am convinced that teenagers have the best memories of anyone when it comes to owing them money. Occasionally, on her way home from work, I ask my youngest daughter to pick up a few items from the grocery store.
She is always gracious about it and eager to tell me how much she spent so I can quickly reimburse her. There is no doubt that when she fulfills my requests, I owe her. If you think about it, we all owe somebody. It could be a utility bill, a mortgage payment or a car loan, but we must pay for the services we receive.
How does that translate when forgiveness enters the picture? While we are quick to receive the compassion and pardon God offers, are we a bit sluggish to forgive someone who may have hurt or mistreated us? These verses remind us of the free gift of salvation Christ offers. We can do nothing to earn this gift, and it is the most amazing display of grace this world has ever known.
We are dead in our sins apart from Christ. (1–3)
You may recall the national news story a few weeks ago about Christa Pike in Tennessee. She was sentenced to die after being convicted of murder 30 years ago. But the attempts to terminate her life failed for various reasons, and she survived her own date with death.
What seemed certain became a major issue. Before we were born again, we weren’t sin-sick; we were dead! Christ did not doctor us; He delivered us! Our choice to sin led to our spiritual death, and our only hope was new life.
We are made alive through Christ. (4–7)
God will always have the last word. Two of the most powerful words found together in Scripture are “but God.” Usually when you see that phrase in the Bible, something difficult has just been described or occurred, and better things are about to happen.
Read these verses out loud. Nothing is better than mercy, love, kindness and grace. These wonderful gifts — and more — paint a picture of the forgiveness and salvation God provides.
He is the One who brings us from death to life. Jesus is the Hero of our story. Without Him, we would still be dead, with no way or reason to live.
We are saved by Christ for a purpose. (8–10)
Grab your pen or highlighter and underline these three verses. They remind us of the method, means and miracle of salvation.
No one can save themselves, so we have no reason to take credit for what Christ accomplished on the cross. Our sins were placed on Him at Calvary, but He bore the punishment and emerged victorious. While our redemption was sealed that day, our rewards are sustained each day we are on this earth. Don’t misunderstand this.
We are not saved by our good works; we are saved for good works. The good we do is not for others to think more of us. Rather, it points to the goodness of God.
Many believers are discouraged in their walk with Christ and don’t realize faith should be active. We are not saved to sit; we are called to serve. Your greatest purpose in life is to work for Christ. Discover your gifts and get busy.
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
