The Way of New Life

Men and women who have not been saved live their lives as dying men and women. Death for them is more than the end of life, it is an eternal separation from God. The obstacles in the life of an unbeliever are death, sin, and disobedience. God did not intend for man to live in such sinful conditions. God's ecclesiastical plan is that the soul would live out its earthly life in an obedient body and one day be released back to heaven to spend eternity with Him. In our lesson this week, "Receiving Benefits," (Ephesians 2:1-10), Paul's letter to a church in Ephesus models how Christ's church should operate. Man can not save himself, God has to interrupt the doom of death and judgement and replace it with His mercy. He give us new life through the salvation of Jesus Christ. Salvation is the sole work of God. We become His workmanship. This is the act of GRACE - God's Riches At Christ's Expense. Because God's continues to grant us unmerited and undeserved favors, Christians, in return, have the opportunity to help others according to their talents, skills, and abilities God has made available to them.