Scripture Readings: John 3:14-21 & Ephesians 2:1-10
In the Scriptures, we find profound truths that reveal the depths of God’s love for humanity and the transformative power of our spiritual union with Him through Christ.
“For God so loved the world” (John 3:16). These words remind us of the incomprehensible depth and breadth of God’s love for every one of us and speak about God’s act of sending His only Son, Jesus Christ, into the world as a demonstration of His love. Despite our faults and shortcomings, God’s love remains steadfast and unwavering. It is a love that knows no bounds, reaching out to embrace all of humanity.
In John 3:16, we also learn that “whoever believes in Jesus shall not perish but have eternal life.” Faith in Christ is central to receiving the gift of salvation and experiencing eternal life with God. It is through our belief in Jesus that we are granted access to the riches of God’s grace and mercy.
In John 3:21, we read, “But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.” As believers, we are called to live in the light and follow Jesus. Jesus is portrayed as the light that has come into the world, and those who reject Him are in darkness. Living in the light entails walking in righteousness, truth, and obedience to God’s Word. It reflects our intimate relationship with Christ and our desire to honour Him in all that we do.
Turning to Ephesians 2:1-10, we are reminded of our former state of spiritual death and separation from God due to sin. Yet, God, being rich in mercy and love, made us alive with Christ. It is through His grace that we are saved, not by our own works or merit, but by faith in Jesus Christ.
God made us alive with Christ. Our sins had made us spiritually dead and separated us from God, but God lets us share in Christ’s life who overcame death by resurrection. We are alive because of God’s grace. He also raised us up with Christ. Life in Christ came because we encountered Jesus in our faith. We were raised up from our sinful death and given opportunity for new life. We are still facing worldly life and value on earth, but we live with Christ as part of His kingdom.
Salvation is indeed a gift from God, freely given to all who believe in His Son. Verses 8 and 9 reaffirms this truth: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” Our salvation is not something we earn or deserve; it is a manifestation of God’s love and grace towards us. Salvation comes as a gift when we believe what God has said.
Verse 10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” We were created in Christ Jesus to perform good acts. God has set a path of good works for Christians, which he will carry out in and through them as they walk in faith. This does not imply that we conduct excellent work for God. It indicates that God does excellent things through us because we are faithful and obedient to him. God is at work. In faith, we join Him in that work for his glory.
You can talk much about an artist by looking at his or her art. For instance, as we look at Michaelangelo, we see an idealist. When we see “The Sistine Chapel Ceiling” by Michelangelo, among the various scenes depicted on the ceiling, the creation of Adam stands out, illustrating the spiritual union between God and humanity. It serves as a powerful reminder of God’s desire for intimate communion with His creation.
When a sculptor was asked how he created his stone masterpiece, he said, “I just got a big block of marble and chipped away everything that didn’t look like the object”. God is our creator, and we are God’s handiwork. May we chip away everything that does not look like what God wants. We are not perfect art or display, but as an expression from a biblical commentary, the answer to every imperfection can be “God is not finished with us yet.”
If we look closely at the art, and we will discover the artist. You and I are works of art; and we will be on display, in a sense, throughout eternity, to manifest to the universe the glory of God. May we be able to reveal who the Lord is and show His love through our own lives and faith.
Through faith in Jesus, believers are spiritually reborn and receive new life in Him. Through faith in Christ, believers are united with Him and become part of His body, the Church. This spiritual union with God is transformative, as it enables us to experience His presence, guidance, and power in our lives. It is through this union that we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live out our faith and bear witness to God’s love and truth in the world.
We have the privilege of communing with God through prayer, worship, and obedience to His Word, experiencing His presence and guidance in their lives. We are adopted into God’s family and become His children, enjoying a close and intimate relationship with Him. The Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us, empowering us to live a life pleasing to God and guiding us in their spiritual journey.
As we reflect on the profound truths found in John 3:14-21 and Ephesians 2:1-10, may we be filled with gratitude for God’s unfathomable love and the gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Let us embrace our spiritual union with God, living each day in the light of His truth and sharing His love with others. May we be empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in righteousness and obedience, bringing glory to God in all that we do.
God’s grace gives us life and unites us with Him and with people from whom we are alienated. God so loved the world. God so loves us!
Thanks be to God! Amen.
(Ref. Bible, commentaries, theological books, UCA materials)