In Ephesians 1:12 God shows us, “that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.” God from the foundation of the world choose each of His children for salvation through sanctification (Ephesians 4:17-32) by the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19-23) and belief in the truth. (2 Thessalonians 2:13) By God’s own will, He brought us forth by the Word of God through the Spirit! (James 1:18) God’s greatest gift is salvation! (Ephesians 2:8-10) When we hear God’s truth which convicts of sin and receive Jesus’s free gift, we are saved. (Ephesians 1:13; John 3:16-18)
In order to receive Jesus’ sanctification (changed in His image), we are to “lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness and receive with meekness (gentleness) the implanted Word, which is able to save your souls.” (James 1:21-27; cf. 1 Peter 1:22-25) The Word of
God is like a mirror, reflecting our true self. As Christians, we are responsible to God for what we do or not do, especially judging others. (Cf. 1 John 2:15-17) In 2 Corinthians 3:18, God shows us that we are transformed by His living Word which is like a mirror reflecting our selfishness. When we stay in His Word, we will exhibit, learn, and become more like Jesus. We need to allow Scripture to shape us into Christ’ image. (Romans 12:1-2; cf. Matthew 13:18-23😉
Since God has so wondrously saved our souls, we should continually give thanks and praise to Him alone. (Hebrews 13:15; Ephesians 5:20) Praise is a main theme in heaven. In Revelation 1:5, Jesus is described as the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead and the ruler over the kings of the earth. Praise Him always! (Revelation 4:8, 11; 5:8-13; 7:12) “Let the high praise of God be in their mouth, and a two-edge sword in his hand.” (Psalm 149:6)
As we live on earth, being a child of God according to His purpose, “How can we walk in the footsteps of Jesus?”
Test of Knowing God! (1 John 2:1-6, 9-11);
Don’t love the world! (1 John 2:15-23);
Let Truth Abide in You! (1 John 2:24-27);
What manner of love has the “Father” bestowed on us? (1 John2:28—3:3);
The Imperative of Love! (1 John 3:10-15);
Outworking of Love! (1 John 3:16-23);
Tests the spirits! (1 John 3:24-6);
Knowing God through Love! (1 John 4:7-19);
Obedience by Faith! (1 John 4:20—5:5);
Having confidence in Jesus! (1 John 5:14-15, 20)