Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. James 1:18
This was our sermon text tonight. That was it, the one verse. And not only that, but Brother M, a member of our church who is preaching from James when he helps out in the pulpit, is going to need to finish the verse next time. Anyway, what a reminder this was. As our brother said, "Of His own will," is just getting the point across that those who are saved are saved because it is God's will that they be saved. Maybe as a writer I shouldn't have that same word (saved) so many times in one sentence, but that's intentional. God is the source of our salvation--He did it all. It's all of Christ and thankfully, didn't depend on me. One point our brother made that was really amusing, but really hit home, was that most of us can't even make a New Year's resolution and keep it until February, so how could we do anything to save ourselves from the wretched state we're in apart from Christ? No, God did it all and if you're saved, it's because it was "of His own will."
4 comments:
Jesus paid it all... Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. All we need to do is receive God's gift of salvation :) (Eph. 2:8,9) Praise the Lord, it's nothing of ourselves!
Maxine,
so very true...if salvation depended on us... no one would ever have salvation...
God invited us and all we have to do is surrender to His invitation.!!
I'm so thankful that I finally understand that truth now. I was a walking "dead" person but God made me alive in Christ. To Him be the glory!
Sounds like the first half of that verse provided a pretty powerful message! I'd love to hear the second half. :o) It's amazing once one *sees* that truth, how often it's repeated in scripture that He calls us.
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