Elise’s Story
“Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.”
I was, by my very nature, an object of God’s wrath.
This verse, Ephesians 2:3 is the perfect beginning to my testimony of what Christ has done in my life. It begins with God, his standard, and my shortcomings. The Almighty God created a perfect heavens and earth and then allowed human beings to live in it. But ever since Adam and Eve first disobeyed the Lord, the human race has been plagued with sin. What is sin? Sin is anything we think, say, or do that displeases God. God is God, so he sets the standard. I’ve fallen short. I was born falling short. My own human nature is disfigured in such a way that I will never be able to attain God’s perfect standard on my own. I’m an object of God’s wrath, and his wrath leaves no survivors.
But because I was confirmed…
But because I’m a good person…
But because I read the Bible…
But because I volunteer…
But because I believe there is a God…
Hardly.
“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ!”
Ephesians 2 goes on to tell us the Good News of Jesus Christ. God’s mercy is available to everyone, even me with my sinful human nature. Mercy = not getting what you deserve. I don’t deserve a second look from God and I certainly don’t deserve new life through Christ. Praise the Lord for his forgiveness and mercy!
“Even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved!”
Verse five from Ephesians 2 reminds me again just how helpless I was, how helpless I am, in my sin. I’m not simply floundering out in the middle of the lake, hoping God will throw me a life jacket. I am DEAD at the bottom of the lake. Christ dives to the bottom, lifts me, up and breathes life into me! I am born again, but it doesn’t end there.
Philippians 1:6 tells me, “…He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” I have trusted in the Lord to rescue me from the consequences of sin. Not only that, but he invites me to share my daily burdens and questions with him. He is my Confidante, my Teacher, my Father, and my Lord. He has a plan for my life, and I intend to praise him in all that I say and do.
Esther Hylden
Feb 15, 2010Thanks Elise…yes there is hope…and His name is Jesus.
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