Stop and think a minute about God’s plan of salvation. God, who can do anything in any way, chose to send His Son to die for us and that sacrifice is at the center of our faith. This was not a spur of the moment idea that God came up with. He set it in motion from the time in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve opened the world to sin. In Genesis 3:15, we already see God making His plan. God’s plans will not be thwarted. What He means for good for us, He brings about and our ultimate good is our salvation, restoration to a right relationship with our Father and eternity with Him. Pray, repent, accept, believe.

The Center of Salvation

Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus lays a foundation for the power of salvation that is achieved through Jesus’ death and resurrection. The core of the Christian faith is found in this event.

The forgiveness of sins that we experience as Christians came through the blood of Christ that was shed on the cross. Jesus lived a perfect life, and became a perfect sacrifice for the brokenness of all mankind. Without the shedding of blood, there would be no forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 9:22). And without the forgiveness of sins, we would not be able to approach our holy and perfect God. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection made a way for us to have a relationship with Him.

Jesus gave His life once and for all, which means that He doesn’t have to die again. All of your sins—past, present, and future—are forgiven through Jesus. In fact, nothing can separate you from the love God has for you.

Paul says that all of this is in line with God’s grace and His promises. All throughout Scripture God promises to redeem His people. He promises to rescue them and free them from their bondage to sin and brokenness. God accomplishes this through Jesus.

Think about God’s great love and grace for you. Do you feel forgiven and set free? Or are you weighed down by your mistakes? Spend some time talking to God, thanking Him for what He has done for you. Remind yourself of God’s promises. Ask Him to fill you with the knowledge of His love and grace.