| How very far off we were before we knew God’s grace “in Christ Jesus.” We “were dead in trespasses and sins … [and] walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: among whom also we all had our conversation … in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” We had “no hope, and [were] without God in the world,” “and all our righteousnesses [were] as filthy rags.” But by simple faith in the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, we have “passed from death unto life” and “are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” How nigh? “He hath made us accepted in the beloved,” and “as He is, so are we in this world.” “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not.” It is written that “both He that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren.” Our great high priest prayed “that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me.” |
