GRACE...continued
God's grace reaches out for an intimate relationship with us as individuals, but He has another desire in His heart. He has a passionate desire for a family of "sons" just like Jesus. We come into His family one by one and then His grace continues to actively work in us to create His family. Some scriptures refer to His "dwelling place" or His "home". It could also be referred to as "the church". Church must be understood as the "called out ones" which is the true translation of the word "ecclesia", commonly translated as "church" in the New Testament. That is the ones who have responded to His active grace and therefore are called out to be His family.
Taking a portion from Ephesians 2, we see a glimpse of God's purpose.
God's grace reaches out for an intimate relationship with us as individuals, but He has another desire in His heart. He has a passionate desire for a family of "sons" just like Jesus. We come into His family one by one and then His grace continues to actively work in us to create His family. Some scriptures refer to His "dwelling place" or His "home". It could also be referred to as "the church". Church must be understood as the "called out ones" which is the true translation of the word "ecclesia", commonly translated as "church" in the New Testament. That is the ones who have responded to His active grace and therefore are called out to be His family.
Taking a portion from Ephesians 2, we see a glimpse of God's purpose.
" Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit."
Reaching out to all of mankind with His marvelous grace, His desire is that we will respond and be united with Him in a close, consistent and dynamic relationship. When we become close to Him, His grace continues to build us together with all of His people and thus we become the family which He desires. The entire history of mankind is based on this desire of God, our creator and our Father and His purpose will be fully complete and His heart satisfied at the consummation of the ages as described in the book of Revelation. All praise and glory to God, forever and ever, Amen.
Please read more about grace here.
Please read more about grace here.