Friday, November 20, 2009

Ephesians 1

Chosen In Christ Jesus for Spiritual Blessings

Eph 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

An apostle is chosen and sent by Jesus, by the will of God, not man. The letter is sent to the believers in Jesus, the saints (no longer called sinners) which are in Ephesus, a major shipping port in Asia. In this city was the great temple to the goddess Diana. So this was a pagan city with believers in it, much as our own cities. Notice he addresses the saints, and the faithful in Christ Jesus. Perhaps not all who were saved saints were also faithful followers.

Eph 1:2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Grace is the favor of God and peace, the fruit of the Spirit from God our Father, and his son our Lord Jesus Christ.
Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:


We are blessed not only with peace but also with all spiritual blessings because we are in Christ Jesus in heavenly places. What are these heavenly places? Where Christ is we are and he is at the right hand of the Father. This means we have access to the very presence of our Father God.

Eph 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
Eph 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

And in the epistle to the Hebrews;

Heb 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
Heb 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

We have the blessings and full resources of Jesus at the throne of God. Just think of that. We must live as children of the most high God in an evil world.

Chosen

Eph 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Eph 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

Wow, think of this, we were chosen by our heavenly father to be in Christ before the foundation of the world! You may have heard from a parent that you were a mistake, not wanted, no good, but God has overruled this foolish talk. God your Father has chosen you, knowing who would also choose him. We need not figure out how this was done, God is to be praised; his ways are beyond our understanding. We are chosen in Jesus, for he is the way for the chosen to come to God the Father; He is the way of forgiveness this is the predetermined way to salvation and eternal life. The finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross was not by accident or misfortune. As Peter spoke to the Jews;

Acts 2:23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

It was God's purpose to make a way for our being saved from the punishment of sins. Jesus took our sin and punishment upon himself. Now we have taken with him, his position as a child of God, we are adopted into his family, this also by the will and foreknowledge of God.

1 Pet 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1 Pet 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
1 Pet 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Yes our faith is required to receive his predetermined salvation for us. I believe that I am your adopted son, Thank you Abba Father. You too who read this are the chosen if you desire to be his child. Whosoever will may come to Jesus for salvation.

Accepted In the Beloved

Eph 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

We praise you Jesus, for the great honor of your grace given to us. As we confess you with our lips, and believe in you with a whole heart we receive undeserved favor with God. Let everyone who names the name of Jesus, praise him forever.

Eph 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Eph 1:8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

Redemption means that we are bought by Jesus' shedding of blood and death, from the devil and the destination of hell. Our sins are forgiven and remembered no more and we receive the riches of his glory as adopted children of God. He has given us an abundance of his grace through his divine wisdom and will. We are chosen and adopted, no longer are we undesirable, but God himself has desired us to be his own children and Jesus has paid to make this possible. What a wonderful big brother we have in Jesus, our savior, our friend and our Lord God.

Rom 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
Rom 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
Rom 8:33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
Rom 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Gathered in Christ

Eph 1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
Eph 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

A mystery is something not revealed before. What is the mystery of his will? According to his good pleasure God is to gather all things that belong to Christ, both in heaven and on earth and gather them unto himself. The Church belongs to Christ; the body of believers in heaven and on earth. A dispensation is an era of time during which man is tested in respect to obedience to some definite revelation of God's will. The dispensation of the law under the Mosaic Covenant was replaced by the dispensation of grace. The end of all eras will be when we are with God in heaven.

1 Cor 15:27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.
1 Cor 15:28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

Rom 12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

1 Cor 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
1 Cor 15:23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
1 Cor 15:24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
1 Cor 15:25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
1 Cor 15:26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

What other things may be gathered in Christ? I think also, the prayers and praises of the saints and the tears of the saints, the word of God and the love of God and all things that belong to Christ. How about our testimonies and works, even our crowns of rewards given?

Eph 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
Eph 1:12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

In Jesus we have obtained an inheritance of eternal life as an adopted child of God. Being predestined; His plan was salvation for us from the beginning of the world; Jesus was the planned way. He has a plan for us too in this life: good works.

Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

1 Pet 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1 Pet 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
1 Pet 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Eph 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Eph 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

We are redeemed, bought with a price; the blood of Jesus. We believed the gospel message of truth, that Jesus Christ was our substitute for God's penalty for sins and now we can sing "amazing grace" with all the saints.

1 Cor 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
1 Cor 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

We are sealed, identified as owned by the King of Kings. His seal on us is the Holy Spirit of grace and truth. He is the earnest, the down payment and the promise for our eternal future hope. We are purchased and freed to serve our Lord in love. For in Christ Jesus is love and eternal peace. The mystery revealed is the church; the people redeemed and sanctified by the Holy Spirit. We are a chosen people to live with Christ Jesus forever in his love.

Wisdom and Revelation

Eph 1:15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
Eph 1:16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

Nothing pleases the apostle or witness more then to see those led to Christ Jesus continuing in faith and in the love from God. True repentance is turning away from the old life and turning to the new life in Christ. Paul realizes that it is God who builds his church. He gives thanks and prayers for the new church members. They need prayer covering until they learn of the power within, which is the Holy Spirit of truth.

Eph 1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

Paul knows what they need as he prays for them. They must learn to ask as well. God is eager to grant them wisdom and this wisdom is from God.

James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
James 1:7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

Revelation knowledge is an insight previously not known by us concerning our Lord and his promises. The knowledge of his will and plans for your life as revealed by God and new understanding of the things of God. A revelation to a new believer may be a well-known promise of God to a mature believer. We always should learn new things from the Bible through the Holy Spirit, our teacher. None of us have perfect revelation of the things of God.

1 Cor 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
1 Cor 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

Paul received revelation from being alone with Jesus, who was risen and glorified with the Father. This same Jesus reveals himself to us, first through his Bible and then through his Spirit and by prayer.

Gal 1:11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
Gal 1:12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Eph 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
Eph 1:19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

The hope of his calling is eternal life with the saints of God. May your eyes be opened to understand and to see God's truth. Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12) in him we are called unto God's eternal family. We inherit all things with Christ Jesus and have received the earnest of his power, the Holy Spirit to become children of God and the channels of light and blessings to others. His mighty power works in and through us as we submit to his will.

Jer 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Mat 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

To release God's power we must pray in his will and obey him. He leads us by his Holy Spirit, which is the power of God in our lives.

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

...according to the working of his mighty power,

Eph 1:20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

God is all-powerful and well able to fulfill his purposes. Jesus had finished his work, even to death on the cross. But, death cannot hold God's son. By the power of God's Holy spirit he has raised up Jesus and placed him beside himself in power and in glory. He will raise us up also, to be with him.

Rom 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

Eph 1:21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
Eph 1:22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
Eph 1:23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Jesus is above all principalities and power, Father God having put all things under his feet.

Psa 110:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
Psa 110:2 The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.

And gave Jesus to be the head over all things in the church. The church is the body of believers, Christ the head. The head is above the mind and controls the movements of the body, which is the church. We are the body who is with Christ in heavenly places. He is the all in all and we are his. Praise God to be so honored! We shall live eternally with our King.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Hosea 3

Restoration of Gomer

Hosea 3:1 Then said the LORD unto me, Go yet, love a woman beloved of her friend, yet an adulteress, according to the love of the LORD toward the children of Israel, who look to other gods, and love the raisin cakes of the pagans.

The LORD commands Hosea to go love a woman beloved of her friend (or husband), who is still an adulteress, unfaithful to her husband. This do even as an example of the love of the LORD toward the children of Israel, who commit spiritual adultery with other gods, and love the raisin cakes used in the sacrificial feasts of the pagans. Hosea was to be a natural example, in loving an unfaithful woman of what Israel was doing spiritually to the LORD who loved them. They had broken their covenant promise to not worship other gods. God still loved his people and He wanted Hosea to continue to love his wife, in spite of her infidelity. The LORD is not showing us that we should divorce an unfaithful partner. What did Jesus say?

Mat 5:31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
Mat 5:32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

Divorce and remarriage is considered adultery in God's eyes. God is showing in Hosea, that adultery is not even grounds for divorce. The law of Moses was much more strict concerning sins.

Deu 22:22 If a man be found lying with a woman married to an husband, then they shall both of them die, both the man that lay with the woman, and the woman: so shalt thou put away evil from Israel.

Jesus brought grace; for when a woman who was caught in adultery was brought to him to be stoned, he reminded the accusers of their own sins. He said to the woman "go and sin no more". Those who are under grace are to be forgiving of one another's sins.

Mat 18:21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
Mat 18:22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Hosea 3:2 So I bought her to me for fifteen pieces of silver, and for an homer of barley, and an half homer of barley:
Hosea 3:3 And I said unto her, Thou shalt abide for me many days; thou shalt not play the harlot, and thou shalt not be for another man: so will I also be for thee.

He had to buy her time in order for her to stay with him for several days as a wife. When a marriage gets to the point that one must buy affection, then the hearts need to repent. People who marry for money are covetous and idolaters. An attractive woman may demand a certain lifestyle in order to give herself to her husband; she would be playing the harlot in her marriage. Another may withhold herself as a way to get power or out of anger from some past experience; these are wrong attitudes of behavior. Paul explains this to us in 1 Corinthians.

1 Cor 7:2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.
1 Cor 7:3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.
1 Cor 7:4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.
1 Cor 7:5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

Restoration of Israel

Hosea 3:4 For the children of Israel shall abide many days without a king, and without a prince, and without a sacrifice, and without an image, and without an ephod, and without teraphim:

Israel would be dispersed as a nation into other nations and places. They would lose their national identity as a nation, having no King or prince. There would be no temple or place of sacrifice for their sins. They would be without ephod, a priestly garment and without teraphim which are idols. They would lose their identity as a people and yet God still knew where they were and he still loved his covenant people. Their behavior would result in their calamity.

Hosea 3:5 Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days.

Afterwards, would be after Israel was again declared to be a nation in 1948. This returning is going on now and will be fulfilled when Jesus returns again to reign on earth for a thousand years; this will be the Millennium.

Rom 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
Rom 11:26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
Rom 11:27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
Rom 11:28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.
Rom 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

Those of the Jews who seek the LORD their God, and David their king; shall come to their Messiah Jesus, and they shall be saved.

Rom 2:29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Galatians 6

Restoration

Gal 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Gal 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

We are one spiritual body in Christ. If one of the body is overtaken in a fault, what is that? A fault is a falling away from truth or a sin. The natural man would accuse him and perhaps gossip about him. Satan wants us to do that, but God has a better way. Those who are spiritual, those who are listening to God and who see with his eyes are to restore him, in a spirit of meekness. This is as the golden rule; do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Consider your own temptations and do not be swift to judge. It is best to show love and truth and to restore their standing in Christ. Satan’s helpers come to whisper discontent, fear and confusion. The Holy Spirit is constructive and positive. We all fail at times and need a loving person to help us back to the true way.

James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Pray for those with a burden and show them Jesus. If you can help them in some way, do so.

Gal 6:3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

We do not act as if we are "holier than thou" but we are to be meek and lowly servants, not lifting ourselves up as Pharisees but rather as brothers in Christ, or sisters in Christ. God will judge us according to who we are in Christ and what we do. No condemnation, but rewards will be given according to our obedient faith.

Gal 6:4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

2 Tim 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Gal 6:5 For every man shall bear his own burden.

Each person has a burden. We must learn to give them to God and to praise him. We are to become like Jesus in the world so that others may see him. We are responsible for our own behavior. Be faithful and true to God. Be loving and helpful to those around you, for all are tempted to fall into sin.

1 Cor 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Do Good

Gal 6:6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

A teacher prepares a message through study and meditation on the word of God. As a teacher we benefit most, because we must know something before we can teach it. It is not a one way communication, those who are taught should also respond in all good things to the teaching. I like to keep the comments on what is being taught; if the Holy Spirit speaks to you something that you want to say; if it is good then share it. On another level, all are to be taught by the Holy Spirit, for he is our teacher.

Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Are you growing in faith as you read his word aloud? Do you understand what you read, or worse yet are you running from God? The word will bring you closer to the heart and will of God.

Gal 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Gal 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

This is a solid law of cause and affect. We sow and it always makes an increase. Some receive corruption from acts sown in rebellion before they came to Christ. The result on the body may be corruption or death. The good news is our soul is saved in Jesus. We are to sow to the Spirit the good behavior as children of God.

James 2:15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
James 2:16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

Gal 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Well doing, the fruit of the Spirit, the actions of a God centered heart. Keep going, keep being faithful doing good works, for the reward is everlasting life and honor in the presence of God our Father.

Gal 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Yes, amen, do good and show that you are a child of your heavenly Father. We shall be judged by what we do or fail to do.

Those who did not give to the need were rejected by God. I think that we should be careful to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.

James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

Gal 6:11 Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.

Paul points out that he has written this last part with large letters; perhaps because he had poor eyesight and could not read or write small print.

Gal 6:12 As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ
Gal 6:13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.

Their motive was to make a good showing in the flesh, and to avoid persecution for the cross of Christ; this is why they are trying to compel you [the Galatians] to be circumcised. It isn't really that they have a passion for the law and pleasing God; they don't even really keep the law themselves. But they want the Galatians to be circumcised so that they may wear the submission of the Galatians as a badge of achievement. Jesus is Lord, let no other person place you into bondage to their rules for salvation.

Gal 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
Gal 6:15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

No glorying in self-works or self-righteousness. Christianity is something God does in us, (grace through faith) not something we do for God; (law and works) this can simply define the difference between grace and law . This is the theme of Galatians.

Conclusion

Gal 6:16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

And as many as walk according to this rule; glorying only in the cross of Christ. Being crucified to the world and are born-again; peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel, that is, the Church, of God which consists of all those, and those only, of every nation and people, who walk by this rule.

Gal 6:17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

From henceforth let no man trouble me: in dividing words, in wishing to cut and circumcise Gentiles after the law. For I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus; the scars, marks, and afflictions of my sufferings for Him from teaching His gospel of grace.

2 Cor 11:24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
2 Cor 11:25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
2 Cor 11:26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
2 Cor 11:27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

Gal 6:18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ for their strength, salvation and encouragement. Grace comes by faith and without the works of the law. We are saved unto good works; not under the Old Covenant for the Jews, but we are new creations under the New Covenant. Jesus Christ accomplished our salvation on the cross of Calvary. It is by grace that we are saved.