“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love…” – Ephesians 1:4 (KJV)
God’s sovereign determination to save a people for Himself is not just a demonstration of His authority; His authority is incontestable. Rather, His redemption is executed in the framework of His love, mercy and grace. These are displayed in His decision to adopt those whom He chooses to be His redeemed children in Christ Jesus. He ordained those whom He chose to see His grace revealed in.
We cannot redeem ourselves. No religion, however beautiful, however lofty, can move us out of the bondage of sin into the freedom of God’s children. No matter how elaborate or vigorous our moral practices, nothing can satisfy the requirements of a truly righteous and Holy God. The sober truth is that none is righteous, no not one (Romans 3:10).
However, there is good news: God has left heaven and come to earth to find us and bring us back in, throwing the gates wide open. He descended to our level and paid an unspeakable price to purchase our redemption. We do not have to earn it; in fact, we cannot.
Because of who we are in Christ, we no longer experience condemnation. We can now walk in the newness of life (Romans 6:4). What reasons can we possibly recognise for this matchless plan of redemption? The love of God! Love is God’s deepest characteristic, yet this love is driven not by obligation but by love itself (John 3:16).
The love God envisioned for His people is a soul-stirring love, deep and passionate. Why not embrace this love and experience God’s redemption?
Read: Romans 5:4-6; Ephesians 1:4-7
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 102:18-28; I Corinthians 16:5-24; 2 Chronicles 24; 2 Chronicles 25
