For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.
But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;
and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are,
that no flesh should glory in His presence.
But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God–and righteousness and sanctification and redemption–
1 Corinthians 1:26-30 (NKJV)
Job, in all of his troubles and trials was heard to say,
“For I know that my redeemer lives, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.” Job 19:25-27
Spiritual and heavenly blessings
Paul wrote in Ephesians 1:6-7,
“He has made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.”
The reason that we have redemption is because we have a “redeemer.” His name is Jesus. When Christ Jesus came to us and we received Him as our Lord and Savior the journey of faith got started. Even though we were transformed by His grace we were not transported to heaven. If that were the case, why are we still here? If we were made perfect, why do we still struggle? And, why does God insist that we continue to grow in the grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior and that we put off the old man and that we strive to enter in at the straight gate and why does Christ expect from us unswerving loyalty, unwavering faith and unassuming love?
Why? Because He paid the price and finished His redeeming work, don’t you think we should respond to His love through our devotion and service? Don’t you?
