New Life
(Ephesians 4:1)
God sent His beloved Son into the world, thus not only saving us from sin and death, but also making us an heir with Christ of the heavenly inheritance. This special grace bestowed upon us signifies that He has special expectations for us.
1. Calling
If God wishes something from us, He could unilaterally impose His will, and we would have to comply without question. Considering His sovereignty over all things and the inevitability of the final judgment of each person according to His will, there can be no dispute. However, God did not enforce His will upon people; instead, He called each individual. He does this because He desires for those who have received His calling to willingly follow His will, with gratitude and joy.
2. Choosing
God has called us not only to attain salvation but also to call into the holy life that those who are saved should have. That He has called us means He has chosen us. It was not we who chose Him, but He who chose us. Thus, the initiative in our lives rightfully belongs to Him.
3. Leading
God will lead us to the very end on the path of new life upon which we are walking. Unlike humans, God will assuredly complete the work He has started. Therefore, there is no regret in His calling. Let us not doubt God, who has called us, but rather move forward on the new and living way He has opened for us. Let us not ignore the path He guides to us through the church, but instead, walk on the path with all our hearts.
February 18, 2024
Overseer Sung-Hyun Kim
