Jesus makes a difference in all those who come to Him. As a matter of fact, there's a verse in the Bible that speaks to this thought (Jeremiah 13:23), "Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots?" The truth is, man is a sinner, lost and undone, separated from God by a wide rift of sin. Therefore, he needs something done in his life that he will never be able to do for himself. He needs what Jesus and Jesus alone can do. It is Jesus who makes the difference in the lives of sinners.
I'd like to take a little time today, and talk to you about the great difference that Jesus makes in the hearts and lives of the sinful. If you have your Bible close by, turn to Ephesians 2:1-10. This is the Scripture that we we will be referring to in this message. Ephesians 2:1-3 talks about the pitiful nature of man's sin.
According to these verses, we are lost, or dead in sin (Ephesians 2:1); being lost, we are not in control of our lives (Ephesians 2:2-3a); and at this very moment, every person outside of the shelter of the blood of Jesus is under the wrath of God. The only thing that keeps you, me, us from dropping off into Hell at this very moment is the grace and mercy of Almighty God (Ephesians 2:3b).
At this very moment, you stand at the edge of a steep cliff with nothing between you and hell but God’s grace. He doesn't hate you, but He does hate your sin. His holiness demands that the sentence on sin be carried out, and it shall be, in His time and in His way! What a pitiful situation to be in! Yet, you have neighbors, friends, family and acquaintances that are in this very shape as we speak.
Even some of you may be there! Lost and undone without Jesus and headed to Hell. One thing's for sure, each of us has been there. I remember it all too well, myself! That’s why I am grateful for those next two words: "But God!" That's all that stands between the sinner and Hell today!
Nevertheless, these two little words, "But God!" may just be the greatest in the entire Bible. In them, we find the supply for our need, blessings without end and glories beyond description. Not only do these verses speak of the pitiful nature of man’s sin, but they also point out the glorious provisions of our Savior. Let's examine these provisions now.
Ephesians 2:4 tells us that He gave us love. God loves the sinner with an everlasting, undying, never ceasing love (Jerermiah 31:1; Romans 8:38-39). It was this great love of the Father that propelled Him to send His Son Jesus to die for our sins on the cross. It was this love that bound Jesus to that cross. It was His love for sinners that caused Him to willingly drink that most bitter of cups. Thank God for the awesome love of God for sinners today!
Ephesians 2:5 tells us that He gave us life. When we received Jesus, He made us alive in Him! Yes, we died to sin, and Satan, and self, but we became alive to the Lord. Look at Lazarus in John 11:35-44. In that cold, dark tomb, Lazarus was oblivious to the pandemonium going on just outside. He didn’t hear the mourners, he didn’t know that Jesus and the disciples were there. He knew nothing, because he was dead! But, just a word from Jesus and everything changed! No longer was he dead, but he was alive and walking about looking for someone to set him free from those grave clothes!
When Jesus comes in, He gives the believer "new life" in Himself. This is what being "born again" is all about! The life Jesus gives is no ordinary life! It is abundant, free, and everlasting! Think about it this way, when Jesus died on that cross, I died also. When He got up, so did I! Those who have their faith in Jesus have passed from death unto life (John 5:24).
So far, we've examined the pitiful nature of man’s sin, and the glorious provisions of our Savior. Now, lets consider the last point covered in Ephesians 2:1-10, the precious promises to the saints, or Christians. Ephesians 2:7 talks about a new destination. This verse reminds us that one of these days, we are going to finally be home in glory! When we arrive there, we will have eternity to enjoy the blessings of the Lord. And what blessings they will be! Imagine no death, disease, sorrow, separation, or tears. But the best part will be getting to spend eternity with Jesus (1 Thessalonians 4:17)!
Ephesians 2:8-9 tell us about a new designation. They tell of the only way of salvation. It's through faith and grace alone! Religion, good deeds, church membership, baptism, clean living, family associations will all fail to produce salvation. It takes the blood of Jesus applied via the avenue of faith to save the sinner’s soul! This is the power of God in Jesus! He has the ability to take that, which has been wrecked by sin and Satan and turn it around for His glory.
The last verse, Ephesians 2:10 speaks about a new direction. After Jesus comes in and saves the soul, He changes the life and sets the sinner on a new path. He saves us to put us to work for His glory! We are the crowning achievement of Almighty God! God has determined that He will receive His greatest glory from taking old sinners, saving them by His grace and them putting them into His work. He delights in displaying us for the entire world to see. It seems that nothing else brings Him as much glory as the life of one who has been saved by grace!
To conclude today's message, no force in Heaven or on Earth has the awesome power to make the changes we have mentioned here, except the grace of God! I praise His name that He can take sinners from where they are, save them by grace and make something out of them for His glory!
Scripture: Romans 6:23; 1 John 1:9; 2 Peter 3:9; Romans 5:8; Hebrews 9:27; Acts 4:12; Revelation 14:12
Prayer: Dear Lord, give us the strength and will to bear our heavy burdens, until we can again feel the warmth and love of Your divine compassion. Please be mindful of us and have mercy on us. Amen
May God bless you always!
Claudia
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