The Center of Salvation
Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus lays a foundation for the power of salvation that is achieved through Jesus’ death and resurrection. The core of the Christian faith is found in this event.
The forgiveness of sins that we experience as Christians came through the blood of Christ that was shed on the cross. Jesus lived a perfect life, and became a perfect sacrifice for the brokenness of all mankind. Without the shedding of blood, there would be no forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 9:22). And without the forgiveness of sins, we would not be able to approach our holy and perfect God. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection made a way for us to have a relationship with Him.
Jesus gave His life once and for all, which means that He doesn’t have to die again. All of your sins—past, present, and future—are forgiven through Jesus. In fact, nothing can separate you from the love God has for you.
Paul says that all of this is in line with God’s grace and His promises. All throughout Scripture God promises to redeem His people. He promises to rescue them and free them from their bondage to sin and brokenness. God accomplishes this through Jesus.
Think about God’s great love and grace for you. Do you feel forgiven and set free? Or are you weighed down by your mistakes? Spend some time talking to God, thanking Him for what He has done for you. Remind yourself of God’s promises. Ask Him to fill you with the knowledge of His love and grace.
The Way You Live, The Way You Think
"Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads."
Deuteronomy 11:18 NIV
When Moses speaks these words in Deuteronomy 11, he’s not talking about just any words—he’s talking about God’s commands, which he had just finished restating to the people of Israel. These were the foundational truths of how God called His people to live: to love Him, obey Him, and walk in His ways.
Earlier in the chapter, Moses reminds the people of God's power—the way He rescued them from Egypt, led them through the wilderness, and promised them a land of blessing. But along with the blessings came a choice: to remain faithful to God or to turn away. That’s why Moses urges them so passionately to “fix these words” in their hearts and minds.
Why the hands and the forehead? It’s a vivid picture. The hands represent what we do, and the forehead represents what we think. In other words, Moses is saying:...