The hope to which we are called

 

 

Ephesians 1:17-21

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

 

What is “the hope to which we are called”? What is it that we, as Christians, hope for in Christ Jesus? Have you ever thought deeply about eternity and the life beyond this one? Have you ever contemplated the realms of existence that exist beyond what the human eye and mind perceives? The Bible teaches that this physical universe we live in-- the earth in all its glory, the moon and even the heavens, are but the outer fringe of all God’s works! (Job 26:7-14)

 

If you are amazed at the creation that we live in now---you “ain’t seen nothin’ yet!”

 

Even now, this world in its present form is passing away and a time is coming when God will bring about a new heavens and a new earth:

 

2 Peter 3:12-14
as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

 

The apostle John saw visions of the future and the new earth. Revelation 21 tells us of a place and a time when God Himself will live with us. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

 

This is eternal life that Jesus Christ came to give us by His death on the cross. God wants us to know what is going to happen. He wants to give us this gift of eternal life. And this gift begins even NOW for us, in this life, here on this earth! God wants us to have the gift of His Holy Spirit to indwell us and fill us even now in this age.

 

This is our hope—

 

“the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now

disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the

Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:26-27)

 

But in order to have the gift that God wants to give us we must understand God has given us a plan of salvation that we must follow in order to posses this gift of eternal life. The bible teaches that our sins have separated us from God and the way God provided for this great separation to be bridged was by the atoning sacrifice and death of His Son Jesus Christ on the cross.

 

But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all. --Isaiah 53:5-6

 

Nearly 2,000 years ago, the news of the beginning of God’s kingdom started to spread over the face of the earth. On the day of Pentecost, a great crowd had gathered in Jerusalem and heard the apostle Peter preach a sermon about God’s salvation and Christ’s resurrection. The people heard Peter’s words and were cut to the heart, knowing they had a hand in the death of Christ. They knew they were guilty but still wanted to have the salvation Peter had spoken of. They asked Peter what it was they must do in order to possess this salvation. And Peter replied:

 

"Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call." Acts 2:38-39

 

This was the salvation plan God had back then, and it is still the same salvation plan God has for us today. We can know this by Peter’s words, “The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call."

 

“And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation." Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. Acts 2:40-41

 

If you have not yet obeyed the gospel, we invite you to come visit and learn more about “putting on Christ” as your personal Lord and savior by uniting yourself with Him in His death, burial and resurrection. Our minister and elders would like to study the Bible and God’s plan of salvation with you today.

 

If you are interested in a personal in-home bible study, please let us know your needs.

 

1John 3:2

Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet

been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him,

for we shall see him as he is.


Come share in the eternal life God wants you to have

 

 

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