A Transformed People
Have you ever had a major status change? Maybe you graduated from school, became a parent, or got a promotion at work. It can be disorienting waking up the next morning and everything has changed.
We all go through an instant status change when we become Christians. Whatever labels others might put on us—or we might put on ourselves—God chooses to offer us transformation and give us a new identity as people of light, His beloved children. We read this in John’s gospel:
"Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. We are all children of God."
John 1:12-13 NIV
In 1 Peter 2:9-10, Peter also uses other descriptions, saying that we have become a royal priesthood and a holy people. God sought us out even when we were stuck in our own ways, and transformed us by His Spirit. Instead of being held captive by our past, we are blameless and free in Him.
The word “people” is important. This isn’t just about us as individuals. We are now part of God’s family, called to be in relationship with one another. We don’t have to go on the journey of following Jesus alone. We are given the gift of brothers and sisters who are often very different from ourselves. Through and with them, we see aspects of God we could never have discovered alone.
We are invited to see every person as someone made in God’s image, and to be curious about their story. Who are the people who come to mind whose story you don’t know so well?
Spend some time thanking God for welcoming you with open arms into His family. Think of a few ways that you could show others that they are welcome and valued this week.
Justified by Faith
Paul, the writer of the letter to the church in Rome, covers the details of what is known as “the Gospel message”—a message that was handed down to them. It's packed with deep theological truths that are meant to shape the way Christians live.
One of the central components to the Gospel is that salvation comes through faith alone. That means we are saved by the power of God through believing and trusting in Jesus. Every Christian comes to God through faith—not through good deeds or by trying to earn salvation.
Paul says that we have peace with God by our faith in Jesus. Prior to that, we were considered ungodly and unrighteous—because we would live our lives in our own power, doing our own things. This led to separation from God.
However, by faith in Jesus, we are justified before Him. This means that through Jesus’ own right-living, we are made right before Him. Even though we still make mistakes, we can stand innocent before God because of Jesus.
It’s ...