CHOSEN BY GOD

By Ben Berto

9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light;10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. 1 Peter 2: 9-10, NKJV 

Like all Christians, the Seventh-day Adventist Christians believe that there is no other name than Jesus whereby we will be saved. Our statement of faith is enunciated in Fundamental Beliefs #10. “In infinite love and mercy, God made Christ, who knew no sin, to be sin for us, so that in Him we might be made the righteousness of God.  Led by the Holy Spirit, we sense our need, acknowledge our sinfulness, repent of our transgressions, and exercise our faith in Jesus as Lord and Christ, as Substitute and Example.  This faith, which receives salvation, comes through the divine power of the Word and is the gift of God’s grace.  Through Christ, we are justified, adopted as God’s sons and daughters, and delivered from the lordship of sin.  Through the Spirit we are born again and sanctified; the Spirit renews our minds, writes God’s law in our hearts, and we are given the power to live a holy life. Abiding in Him, we become partakers of the divine nature and have the assurance of salvation now and in the judgment.”

In the Bible are the descriptions of the believer’s experience in life such as salvation, justification, sanctification, purification, and redemption are spoken of as already 1;.already accomplished, 2; presently being realized, and 3; to be realized in the future. King David’s  experience in 2 Samuel 11 and his prayer in Psalm 51 is an example of God’s mercy and pardon.

When a person repents of his sin and asks God for pardon and forgiveness, God the Father immediately forgives through the mediation of His Son Jesus. He is now in the Most Holy Place in the heavenly sanctuary, interceding for the sinners. He is our perfect sacrifice for all time. Before Jesus came and died on the Cross, the priests offered animal sacrifices that pointed to the only Sacrifice that was able to take away all sins. (Hebrews 10:3) Jesus was the Lamb slain since the foundation of the world, so before man sinned, there was already a plan to save him, because the “wages of sin is death”(Romans 6: 23).

I would like to share with you this bit of good news from the devotional book by Brenda Walsh, a Christian woman. The title is GOD WINS THE BATTLE. There is a great war between God and Satan, and that battle is about us. It is an ongoing war that will end when Jesus returns to claim His saints. Will we be, you and me, one of those saints claimed by God? He has a job for us. Mark 16: 15 NIV says, “You are to go to all the world and preach the Good News to every person.” Matthew 28: 18-20 has more details.

“Just imagine where you will be the day Jesus comes in the clouds—all ablaze with His glory. You can be assured that you will not be lost in the crowd! Jesus knows exactly who and where you are, and He will send angels to escort you in the air. Picture in your mind the look of tenderness and love on His face as you see your Saviour for the first time!  And then to hear those words, those very precious words, “Well done, you good and faithful servant! I’m so proud of you! Because you allowed me to use you, others are here today! Would you like to meet them?” Then imagine that moment as, one by one, people step forward until a crowd is gathered all around and Christ shows you the fruits of your labour! Wow! What a glorious moment that will be. No amount of material goods, wealth or fame could possibly compare. When you’re tired, discouraged, or tempted to think you don’t matter, think on this moment. Sear it in your mind. Satan wants to discourage you from working for Jesus.  Make no mistake—this is war! Satan and His evil angels are working overtime to turn people away from God. But here’s the Good News, we know the end of the story! We know God wins this battle! So, keep working and shining for Jesus!”

Would you like to know how to be overcomers over sin and be redeemed? On June 17-25, Pastor Leo Macaraig will be speaking at the City Center Church, 13062-104 Avenue, Surrey, at 7:30 PM. You are all invited. Come.

To contact us: Our website is www.abundantlifeadventist.ca. Worship with us every Saturday Sabbath, the seventh day of the week. Genesis 2: 2, 3, Exodus 20: 8-10, Isaiah 58: 13, 14; Isaiah 66: 22, 23; Matthew 5: 17-19; Revelation 22: 14, John 14: 1-3, Rev. 6:6-12