Christianity 101: Building a Firm FoundationSample

Forgiveness and Grace, Your Ticket for the Journey...

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us…
Ephesians 1:7-8 NKJV

The King of Kings has invited you on the trip of a lifetime, all expenses paid! You have the potential to visit spectacular destinations, travel with interesting people, and experience life to its fullest. This is every person’s dream excursion, and He has paid for your ticket to go! Never, ever, would you have the resources or ability to make this trip on your own.

However, sometime in the midst of your travel, you weren’t paying full attention to the King as He was leading the way. Perhaps you became distracted by some sparkly trinkets on a side street or thought of a shortcut and chose your own path. Maybe you let your guard down and found yourself stepping back into past territory before meeting the King. Although it was never helpful or healthy—it was familiar and provided a quick fix of happiness or comfort during your circumstances.

Regardless, you’ve lost sight of Him, and it seems like you have lost your ticket, proving you were with Him! Now what?

Wonder of wonders! Even though you may have left His side, He has never left yours—even in the darkest valley or cave. He gently tells you that the ticket of forgiveness He purchased for you lasts eternally and is non-revocable unless, possibly, you exerted all your effort and tried your whole lifetime to refuse or renounce it, which is nearly impossible to do. The ticket is priceless and paid for once and for all. You cannot do anything to earn it or work for it. Life with Him is your priceless possession, free and clear.

The ticket is God’s absolute, total, and compelling forgiveness at Christ’s cross for all your sin—past, present, and future. His grace and mercy throughout your lifetime is how it is evidenced. You are now clothed in His righteousness—not yours, establishing that You are His child and His spiritual authority through your life is available to you.

You belong to Him.

This truth will be challenged in your heart and mind. That is a fact. So, get your suitcase filled to the brim with the assurance of this certainty from God’s Word.

• Isaiah 1:18 is a profound promise to hold onto. What speaks to your heart?
• How are you encouraged by Ephesians 1:6-8?
• What do you learn as you read Ephesians 2:7-9?
• What do the promises from Hebrews 4:14-16 mean for you today?
• How does 1 John 1:9 reassure you when you have lost your way?