Today is a day to rejoice and be glad, for God has given us another opportunity to gather, worship, and lift up His holy name. The heart of our time together centers on the transforming power of being “in Christ.” Drawing from Ephesians 2, we are reminded of the stark contrast between our lives before Christ and the new reality we now enjoy because of His grace. Once, we were far off—alienated, hopeless, and without God. But now, through the blood of Jesus, we have been brought near, reconciled, and given access to a relationship with the Father that changes everything.
It is important to remember our past, not to dwell in guilt, but to appreciate the depth of God’s mercy and the miracle of our transformation. Many of us have a “but now” testimony: we can look back and see where God has brought us from, how He has changed our hearts, and how He continues to use us despite our imperfections. Paul’s words urge us not to become arrogant in our salvation, but to remain humble and grateful, always aware that it is by grace we are saved, not by our own merit.
Reconciliation is at the core of our faith. God, in His love, did not leave us estranged but made a way for us to be restored to Him through Christ. This reconciliation is not just vertical—between us and God—but also horizontal, calling us to extend forgiveness and grace to others. Just as God has forgiven and embraced us, we are to be agents of reconciliation in our relationships.
Access to God is now open to all who believe. No longer do we need intermediaries or special qualifications; through Christ, we have direct access to the Father. This access is a privilege and a source of hope, especially in times of darkness or loneliness. Even when we feel far from God, He remains close, sustaining us and inviting us into deeper fellowship.
Ultimately, our “but now in Christ” reality is a call to live out our faith with gratitude, humility, and a commitment to share the message of reconciliation with others. No matter our past, God’s grace is sufficient to cover every sin and restore every broken relationship. We are invited to move from darkness into His marvelous light, to embrace our new identity, and to walk boldly in the hope and purpose He provides.
Key Takeaways
– Remembering our past magnifies God’s grace. Reflecting on where we once were—lost, hopeless, and without God—helps us appreciate the depth of His mercy and the miracle of our transformation. This remembrance is not to induce shame, but to cultivate humility and gratitude for the gift of salvation that we could never earn on our own. [53:08]
– Reconciliation is both received and reciprocated. God’s act of reconciling us to Himself through Christ is the foundation of our faith, but it also compels us to pursue reconciliation with others. True spiritual maturity is demonstrated when we extend the same forgiveness and grace to others that we have received from God, breaking down walls of division and embodying the ministry of reconciliation. [55:54]
– Access to God is a privilege, not a presumption. Through Christ, we have been granted direct access to the Father—a privilege that was once reserved for a select few. This access is not based on our background, status, or works, but solely on our relationship with Jesus, reminding us to approach God with both confidence and reverence. [01:08:38]
– Our identity in Christ is secure, regardless of others’ opinions. The world may judge, exclude, or misunderstand us, but our worth and belonging are anchored in God’s love. When we seek first His kingdom and trust in His acceptance, we are freed from the need for human approval and can rest in the unbreakable bond we have with Christ. [01:11:44]
– The “but now” of salvation is an invitation to transformation. God’s grace not only forgives our past but also empowers us to live differently in the present. Our testimony is not just about what we have been saved from, but what we are being called into—a life of hope, purpose, and ongoing relationship with God, made possible by the blood of Jesus. [01:14:48]
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