August 21 - Ephesians 2:13

August 21
Ephesians 2:13

As we continue on into blessing #14 out of the 19 spiritual gifts that we, as believers in Christ have, the Apostle Paul is pointing out that because of the shed blood of Jesus, we can now come near to God.

Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Religion is a cry in the heart of man to satisfy the soul. God created us with an internal belief that He does exist - there is a God Who created man and Who desires His creation to draw near to Him. Man, however, has invented many religions to satisfy his soul. We have major religions such as Islam, Buddhist, Hinduism, Judaism and Christianity and variations of them. Some hearts, sadly, have even become so hardened through experiences in life to where they have shut off their soul to either question or stop believing in God.  Most people, however, believe in some sort of God in some form or another, not wanting to go to hell after they die. Even with death, people carry various beliefs to satisfy the soul to avoid any thoughts of an eternity in hell as the Bible claims, which are the oldest writings on God as the Almighty God.

Many people have claimed a nearness to God by keeping of the Law, as the Jews claimed for so many centuries. Other religions, such as Islam claim that good works and prayers to their god will gain them favor. Hinduism or Buddhism demand good works or even philosophies that will never draw one near to God.

While Christianity is centered on the death, buriel and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the sins of mankind, there are even Christians who think that to get near to God requires going to church or doing good deeds. None of any of these however, will bring a person near to God. Coming near to God only comes through the sacrificial blood of Jesus in which Jesus died for the sins of all mankind no matter what religion they may have once claimed. 

Think about how God's love has been extended to all mankind - regardless of their belief system. God sent His Son to die for the sins of those who didn't care. Jesus suffered the excruciating pangs of death through crucifixion to a mankind who did not care whether He lived or died. Yet, God still reached out to those who would believe. All God asks is that we believe and follow after Him through His Son, who shed His blood for all mankind. This is what brings us near to God.

Blessings,