As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved (Eph 2:1-5).

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washingof rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit… (Titus 3:4-5).

Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Rom 5:7-8).

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These passages tell us bluntly that, without Christ, we are dead in our sins. We live for ourselves and do not qualify for anything but God’s wrath. But God! Because of his love, kindness, and mercy, he sacrificed his own Son to pay our sin penalty. With no righteousness of our own, he counts the righteousness of Jesus Christ sufficient for us to   become his own children.

This is the story of the Bible. God reached out to his wayward children from the time of the Fall in Eden. With Jesus’ words from the cross, “It is finished,” the great work of salvation was accomplished. Now all who come to God through Jesus are counted as his own. We enter into new life with Christ and from then on, we live in gratitude to God. Day by day, year by year, the Lord transforms us more and more into his image (2 Cor 3:18). Our love for him grows fuller and we find it a joy to surrender to him.

Chelsea’s Testimony

A couple of years ago my husband pointed me to the YouTube channel of a young woman named Chelsea. She was a rather new Christian, but she clearly loved Jesus and shared her journey with her followers. Since then I have watched many of her videos. Chelsea’s life is a beautiful example of God’s transforming power. Her love for the Lord shines through each video. She gave me permission to share her story and her photo with you. God has brought her out of darkness and into the light. Praise the Lord!

God’s great delight is to change people’s lives. Thank you, Chelsea, for your sincere faith and for giving me permission to share your testimony here.

I might add that on December 4, 2020, Chelsea married James, a pastor.

If you’d like to hear more of what God is doing in Chelsea’s life, you can find her on her YouTube channel, Jesus is Truth. May God continue to be glorified in her life.

Ginger