The Riches of God's Grace

Ephesians 1:11-14

God's grace makes us extremely wealthy people. No amount of earthly riches
can compare. At salvation God . . .

Freed us from sin's power. Although the "flesh" remains, it no longer rules
over us. As new creations indwelt by God's Spirit, we have His power to
resist
temptation and to obey.

United us with our Savior. From the moment we believe, we live in Christ and
He lives in us. The Spirit seals us in Him.

Made us part of God's family. God has become our heavenly Father, and we are
His adopted sons and daughters. Our spiritual family extends all over the
world.

Translated us into the kingdom of light. The kingdom of darkness,which
includes this world and all its unsaved inhabitants, is under Satan's rule
(Acts
26:18). When someone receives Jesus Christ as Savior, his or her "home
address" is changed to the kingdom of light (Colossians 1:12-13). From then
on,
that person is a citizen of heaven, who is called to serve as Jesus'
ambassador to the unsaved (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Gave us an eternal inheritance. The precious promises of Scripture are one
part of our birthright. More awaits us in heaven, where it cannot fade away
or
be defiled (1 Peter 1:4).

Started the sanctification process. To sanctify means "to set apart for God'
s use" and "to make holy." With our cooperation, the Spirit works to
transform
us into Jesus' likeness.

When life is pressing you down, ponder the riches of divine grace.
Discouragement will lift, and spiritual joy will take over.


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