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The "then" life-style before being born again and the
"now" life-style after believing Romans 10:9 for many is an evident
contrast.
If we have been born again for a few years, perhaps we do not think about how
good we have it as a son or daughter of God. Perhaps it would benefit us to look
at this perspective. There are a number of places in God's Word that shares the
"then" and "now" perspective.
Titus 3:3-8:
For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving
divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and
hating one another.
But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man
appeared,
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy
he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy
Ghost;
Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the
hope of eternal life.
This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm
constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain
good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
I trust that you, the reader, will take the time to think about what is being
said here. We certainly have a lot to be thankful for! Here are some other
"thens and nows"
Ephesians 2:12-18:
That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth
of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and
without God in the world:
But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the
blood of Christ.
For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle
wall of partition between us;
Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained
in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making
peace;
And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having
slain the enmity thereby:
And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were
nigh.
For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
Again, the contrast between then and now is so stark. There is no way a
logical person would not want to grow and learn to walk with and for God.
Colossians 1:21 and 22:
And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by
wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable
and unreproveable in his sight:
I don't know about you, but when I think of the privilege of being holy,
unblameable and unreproveable before the Heavenly Father I become very grateful
and inspired to live for Him.
In light of being God's best, let's live the "now" lifestyle. The
"then" lifestyle does not hold a candle to the radiance of being the
lights of the world as God's dear children.
- Bob Lindfelt
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