Life in Christ
by Capazin Thornton
Life Before Christ
Before any of us received Christ into our lives, we were dead in trespasses and sins. We walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air (the “commander of spiritual powers of the air”), the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience. (Eph 2:1-2)
We thought we were smart, but we were not. We thought we had it going on. But we didn’t.
“Having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart” ~ Eph 4:18
We lived according to the dictates of our flesh and vanities of our mind. We were dominated by the law of sin and death. We were alienated from the life of God. We were without hope and without God in the world. (Eph 2:12, 13)
Yet . . . God loved us immensely.
“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved) . . .” ~ Eph 2:4-5
Receive God’s gift of salvation—Christ the Savior
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” ~ Jn 1:12
“. . . Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” ~ Heb 4:7
The Bible says that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart God has raised Him from the dead you shall be saved. (Rom 10:9-10)
A simple heart-felt prayer
Dear God, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe that Your Son Jesus Christ paid the penalty for my sins when He died on the cross. I believe that you raised Him from the dead and I can have new life through Him.
God, I ask you to forgive me for all my sins. I turn away from a life of sin. Right now I confess Jesus as my Lord and Savior.
Father, I thank you for loving and saving me. Thank you for cleansing me from sin, guilt and the shame of my past. I am forever grateful to You. Lord Jesus, I surrender my life to you. Use me for your glory. Amen.
Saved by Grace through faith in Christ
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God” ~ Eph 2:8
Present Life in Christ
According to Ephesians 2:5-6, you are now:
- alive with Christ
- raised with Christ, and
- seated with Christ in heaven.
Future Life in Christ
But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” ~ 1 Cor 2:9
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How has Christ made a difference in your life? Please feel free to post your comments.
Capazin Thornton is a Christian speaker and author in Orange County, California.
