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For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generation.¹

To love someone likeable is natural; but to love someone undeserving is unthinkable. This uncanny way of love is what God reserved for you and me. He proved it by sending his only Beloved Son to die for us. For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.² Here’s the eerie part, for those who believe he qualifies at an instance—justified, saved, reconciled to God.³

Many are conflicted by the simplicity of the invite. Our mind and our pride get in the way. It is hard to fathom that all our works are like filthy rags (lit. menstrual cloth)⁴ and don’t merit approval. Sadly, men suppress the truth, practice evil, and even give approval to those who practice them.⁵ We justify it our way—There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.⁶

By grace we understand that we are saved through faith. And this is not our doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.⁷ This is the mystery of God’s will—that salvation comes through Jesus Christ. And at that instant of revelation and surrender, we are blessed with every spiritual blessing—chosen, set apart, adopted.⁸ In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.⁹

The transformation is first internal; e.g., somewhat, it is like the change which occurs when copper and zinc is combined to produce brass. It is irreversible.¹⁰ Saved and undergoing sanctification.¹¹ To be a Christian means to be Christ-like. And to become Christ-like requires a process called discipleship. And [Jesus] said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him.¹²

The initial evidence of salvation is the manifestation of a spiritual gift.¹³ A believer is reminded to fan these gifts into flame.¹⁴ A believer goes through an equipping process for the work of ministry and growth until we all attain unity in the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God¹⁵—it necessitates a putting-off the old and a putting-on the new,¹⁶ to be transformed through the renewal of one’s mind.¹⁷ As he walks with the Spirit, the fruit of the Spirit progressively manifest.¹⁸

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. . . . If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.¹⁹