A New You is far more Valuable than a New Year.

As we press into a new year let’s look at what a Child of God is…a New Person. I will be using text from the NET (New English Translation) Bible. It is a great version and anyone can get a free download by going to Bible.org. To start the New Year out right, we all need a Bible. This one is great, has great notes, an excellent study tool, and is Free!

Section to Read: Ephesians 1:1–14

“He did this by predestining us to adoption as his sons through Jesus Christ”

The Father adopted us.

God, in His grace, decided that all that came to salvation, He would adopt into His family. The adopted child many times in this world is treated like a second-class member of the family. But this word meant a man taking a child from one family and making him a son – with all rights and privileges – in his family. God has adopted us into His family with all the rights of a true child. Jesus is the “only begotten” son, but all believers are co-heirs with Him!

“In him we have redemption through his blood”

The Son redeemed us.

Mankind lost the rights we had at Creation, a relationship and fellowship with God. Jesus bought back that which we had lost by living a sinless life, keeping the entire law, willingly offering that life as a payment for sin.

“you were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit, Who is the down payment of our inheritance”

The Spirit sealed us.

The Holy Spirit secured our redemption and adoption. He indwells each believer, places (Baptizes) them into the Body of Christ, begins to conform them into the image of Christ (fruit of the Spirit), and gives them gifts to be used in the Body of Christ. No halfway here with God; this is a total salvation. Saved from past, present and future sins, and from a wasted life and a doubtful future!

Consider a few things:

* Our adoption was “according to the pleasure of his will”

* Our redemption is “according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us in all wisdom and insight”

* Our sealing is “to the praise of His glory”

Who is the initiator in all of this? God is.

Notice we do nothing but believe and receive. Those that try to bring God glory so He will be pleased with them are misunderstanding the scriptures. Bringing God glory does please Him, however, if your motive is to win “points” with God you are missing it!

But if you understand that God has initiated all this love toward you and then you respond with praise and adoration then your motive is driven from thankfulness not selfish gain.

The So What: When was the last time you talked to God like He was your dad? Do you connect consciously with the Holy Spirit everyday? When was the last time you allowed “shame” to control you? Do you believe you are truly forgiven?