Oct 08

But what happens after we believe in Jesus? Is our salvation an end in itself, or does God save us for a purpose larger than ourselves?

Even if we did not know the answer to this question right away, we should suspect that there is more to our salvation than being saved. God is bigger than ourselves and his plan of salvation does not revolve solely around ourselves. Life and reality are much too big to have ourselves as the focal point. God has something much bigger in mind when we are saved than simply our own salvation.

The rest of the pivotal passage of Ephesians 2:8-10 deals with this larger aspect of our salvation. Verse 10 says that we are created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

From all eternity, God has known those who would accept the message of salvation, and from all eternity he has prepared specific deeds for them to carry out as individuals who are unique in all eternity -- unique acts for unique beings.

Each of us has specific, unique acts that God wants us to carry out in our lifetimes, acts that no one else in eternity can do. And in preparation for fulfilling this unique role of ours, he has given each of us unique personality characteristics and abilities -- or disabilities -- so that we can fulfill our destiny. He has prepared both us and the works we are to do in advance. Our lives have eternal meaning and significance.

Scripture for today: Ephesians 2:8-10
Thought for today: My life has eternal significance.
Prayer for today: Lord God, I praise you for the significance you have given to my life. I find my meaning and fulfillment in you.

OCT 08