Day 14 | Chosen, Holy, and Blameless: How? – "Who I Am In Christ" Firm Foundation 21-Day Devotional
We know the feeling of being chosen and not being chosen. Being chosen is a great honor and creates a sense of joy and purpose.
As a high school junior art student, I recall being chosen as the winner of a county wide poster contest. My photo and poster appeared on the front page of our local newspaper. It was a great feeling, but much different than being chosen by God.
My award was based on performance and merit. We are chosen by God based on His love for us––nothing more! The only condition is willingness to receive Christ as Lord and Savior, and that invitation comes from the grace of God, and the faith to accept comes from God. So, it is not based on your performance or merit.
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
The capacity to live “holy and without blame” is also based on grace, not our performance and merit. “Trying” to be a Christian is an exercise in frustration and failure. Recognizing who you are in Christ and living in relationship with Him is the strength of your life.
Remember the promise, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
Reflection Questions:
1. How do you know that you are chosen by God?
2. Why is acceptance by God based on performance and merit self-defeating?
3. What is the significance of being connected (like a branch) to Christ (as the vine/tree trunk)?
Action Items:
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