January 14, 2006

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen.” Galatians 1:3-4

Paul wraps so much up in these two verses of Scripture. He is defending the gospel! He reminds them of the grace and peace that has been offered to us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He is reminding us of how Jesus “gave” Himself, so that we wouldn’t have to pay the ultimate price ourselves. He reminds us that God “rescues” us. What powerful language. Think about it…grace and peace are offered through an incredible God who “gave” and “rescued.” WOW!

But today, as you reflect on these passages, I want you to reflect on what Paul means by “…according to the will of our God and Father…” When you really thing about the power of the gospel it is overwhelming. But we must also get our arms around the fact that this was God’s will. This was His plan for us.

Listen to what Scripture says in John 1:12-13, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”

Did you catch that last line? It was the will of God that led to us being adopted as sons and daughters. We didn’t plan it, we don’t deserve it, and we can’t earn it. Our God is sovereign and the gospel, this “good news” is His plan!

When we reflect on the fact that the God of the universe, the almighty God, loved us enough to send His Son to die on our behalf, we can’t help but be overwhelmed by His love.

Today as you pray thank God for salvation! Thank Him that this was His plan! Thank Him that you are now a child of God!