For believers in Jesus Christ, the condition of lost
humanity ought to be both sobering and motivating. Ephesians 2:12 says
we were “separate from Christ ... having no hope and without God in the world.”
Is there anything worse than this? But apart from a relationship with God
through His Son, there is no eternal hope.
Jesus Christ came into the world to take the punishment for
sin and die the death that we deserved. In so doing, He satisfied God’s demands
for justice, thereby removing the guilt and condemnation of everyone who
believes in Him as Savior and Lord. The result is that those who were formerly
“far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Eph. 2:13).
Now we who have received this hope are called to share it
with others. But people cannot know that Jesus is the only hope unless they
learn about Him from us. As Peter points out, this assignment may not always be
easy because some people are hostile to our message. Yet we are called to “give
an account for the hope” that is in us “with gentleness and reverence” (1 Pet.
3:15).
Our witness for Jesus Christ should be evident in both our
words and actions. As the Holy Spirit begins the work of renewing our mind with
the Word of God, our attitudes and behavior become increasingly Christlike. And
that is a powerful witness to a world without hope. Christ offers a transformed
life now and the promise of eternal life for all who will come to Him in
repentance and faith. So let’s share our hope!
Thought for today: Does my life preach as loud as my
words?
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