Paul centres his argument that salvation is based entirely on what God has done and not on what we have done by highlighting the role each part of the trinity, God the Father; Son; Holy Spirit, plays in our salvation.
As we come to this study in Ephesians, we will be uncovering God’s plan for his church. Hopefully, it will challenge our understanding of the church regardless as to whether we have had positive or negative experiences, because we will be getting back to God’s plan for the church, his hope for his people.
If we believe in a rule-based system, then these rules only serve to condemn us. They don’t show how good we’ve been, they only highlight our failures. Rules, or the law, can only condemn.
John tells us that it was because of God’s love that he sent his Son into the world not to condemn it but to save it through him. This salvation is not earned but freely given through faith in Jesus Christ… ‘that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.’ (John 3:16)
If we as Christians are to withstand the elements of life, then our roots need to go deeper. We are incredibly good at developing shallow roots. We get involved in lots of activities, we cover a lot of ground in church, we are busy, loyal, dedicated people. There is a lot of surface activity but not very much depth.
Paul writing to the Ephesians tells them that he prayed for their roots. He said this in 3:17 ‘May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvellous love.’ (nlt) The question tonight is how do we develop deep roots?