But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

 

Chapter 1

 

Salvation

 

            The first area we want to look at in conjunction with our destiny is that of salvation. Were we destined to be saved or was it some “luck of the draw”? What was necessary for us to become saved? Can we be certain it won’t be taken away from us? Is it just while we’re here on earth, or is it forever? What was our part, and what part was destined to happen no matter what?

 

We are Called/Chosen:

            Brought near: 

Ephesians 2:13

13     But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

     

            Before we accept Christ as our savior, we are all far off from God. Whether we are “good” as far as others were concerned or “bad”, it doesn’t matter. We all need Jesus. After I asked Jesus to come in and take control of my life, I called a friend in another state to tell her that I had become a Christian. She said, “I thought you already were.” Even though to her I was near to God, in reality, I was as far away as someone that you would consider to be the worst sinner in the world.

            We all need God in our lives regardless of our past. Even though Paul was a Pharisee of Pharisees, he still considered himself the chief of all sinners. All his life, he did his best to obey the Law. It wasn’t good enough. He still needed the personal relationship with Christ.

 

If you could hear God speak to you, I believe this is what He would say:

            “My children, I have chosen you from before the beginning of time. I knew you before the world began. I saw what would be in your heart; how that you would have a desire to know Me. I drew you unto Me and brought you into My family.”

 

            2. I am no longer far off from God, because I have been brought near to Him through the blood of Jesus.