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“"Freely in Christ"”

Thoughts for Today:

Theologians have expended a great deal of effort in trying to make predestination much more complex than it really is [Paul's general subject in this section]. From my perspective, it's very simple: God designed a plan to accomplish salvation before He created the universe. As far as humanity is concerned, God's purpose was for us to become a son or daughter (adopted) through Jesus Christ. This is the destiny God intended for every human being ever born on the earth. Stars, planets, asteroids, plants, animals and other parts of physical creation, don't have an independent consciousness that would allow them to change their intended purpose. As a result, they are all in absolute obedience to God's will. But with humanity there is another factor at work. What is it? Free will. It uniquely allows human beings to hinder, interrupt and even prevent the fulfillment of God's purpose in their lives.

In our passage today, Paul tells us that God's amazing plan and purpose has been revealed and freely given to us "in the One He loves" (Jesus Christ). When we hear the Gospel message, we are called to believe the truth and be baptized into Christ. Therefore, it is our free will response to this invitation that determines our destiny. As far as how God's grace fits into the equation, the great biblical scholar F.F. Bruce wrote, "All the blessings which are ours by God's grace are ours in Christ; there is no way apart from him in which God either decrees or effects the bestowal of his grace on men" (The Epistles to the Colossians, to Philemon, and to the Ephesians, 1984). God did not design humanity for destruction, but rather, reconciliation and adoption by the blood of His Son.

Questions to Ponder:

Do you remember the time you first believed? I sure do. And my relationship with Jesus is something I want to share with everyone I meet. Do you want to share the gift of eternal life with those you meet? What's stopping you?

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.