Friday: Further Thought – From Slaves to Heirs
Further Thought: “In the council of heaven, provision was made that men, though transgressors, should not perish in their disobedience, but, through faith in Christ as their substitute and surety, might become the elect of God predestinated unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to [H]imself according to the good pleasure of [H]is will.
Image © Stan Myers from GoodSalt.com
God wills that all men should be saved; for ample provision has been made, in giving [H]is only-begotten Son to pay man’s ransom. Those who perish will perish because they refuse to be adopted as children of God through Christ Jesus. The pride of man hinders him from accepting the provisions of salvation. But human merit will not admit a soul into the presence of God. That which will make a man acceptable to God is the imparted grace of Christ through faith in [H]is name. No dependence can be placed in works or in happy flights of feelings as evidence that men are chosen of God; for the elect are chosen through Christ.” — Ellen G. White, “Chosen in Christ,” Signs of the Times, January 2, 1893.
Discussion Questions:
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Summary: In Christ we have been adopted into God’s family as His sons and daughters. As God’s children, we have access to all the rights and privileges that such a family relationship entails. To relate to God on the basis of rules and regulations alone would be foolish. It would be like a son wanting to renounce his position and inheritance in order to become a slave.
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I am so thankful that
God knows our hearts, and our motives, and loves us anyway-I pray that He will increase my faith and trust in Him alone
"What is it about human beings that makes them so afraid of the idea of grace, of salvation by faith alone? Why is it that many people would rather try to work their way to salvation, if that were possible"?
I think we see that we are lost by our transgression of the law. Therefore, we see a need to repent and turn from our sin by keeping the law we have broken--not to break it any more. At first we may not realize our weakness in that we do not naturally have the Love that is necessary to motivate us to keep the law according to its original design. Our righteousness is like filthy rags compared to true righteousness motivated by true Love.
As we accept the pardon of God through the sacrifice of Christ, we should also accept His Spirit of Love for the power to truly keep His law in His true Character.
In commenting on questions at the bottom of Fridays lesson 1.2,and 3. I suggest turning to Romans 8:26-28. and 1John1: 8-10. Verses that give us hope. The one that we quote the most often is Romans 8:28. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Does this spark a question or two? First are we called and if so how do we know? Secondly, how do we know that we love God sincerely? Sometimes we can fool ourselves by make
believe. The answers can and will come by our help, the Holy Spirit.