When we talk about salvation in Christ, we talk a lot about what we were saved from. Indeed, what we were saved from changed everything. We were saved from sin and death, two of the greatest enemies warring against us. Christ saved us from a life of agony and torment apart from God. What Christ followers talk about less often, however, is that we were not only saved from something, but we were also saved for something.
The apostle Paul tells followers of Christ that they have been saved for a purpose in Ephesians 2. He wrote: "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago" (verse 10). This verse makes it clear: we are a work of art. We were not created randomly or thoughtlessly. God made each one of us with intentionality and saved us for a purpose. What was our purpose? Paul continues teaching that God created us and saved us to "do the good things He planned for us long ago." He saved us so that we could do good. How are we to do good? When asked by religious leaders what the greatest commandment is, Jesus explained that His followers can do good by loving Him and loving others (Matthew 22:36-40). "The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments," Jesus explained (verse 40). When we love God, we honor Him and give Him all of the praise and worship that He deserves. When we love others, we point others to Him by demonstrating His love to a lost and hurting world around us.
When was the last time you thought about the fact that God saved you for a purpose? Maybe it has been a long time. Maybe you have never honestly thought about this truth and focused mainly on what you were saved from. Friends, it is time for us to embrace God's plan and purpose. Imagine what the world would be like if every follower of Christ woke up each day with their purpose in mind, ready and willing to make a difference and point others to Christ. Let's live each day knowing that God saved us for a purpose and commit to spending our lives living out the purpose that He has given us, loving Him with everything in us and loving those around us. What an impact Christ-followers would have if we lived with this purpose in mind.
One way to accomplish God's purpose and love Him and the people around you is to invite someone to church with you. Who can you invite this weekend to join you at one of our weekend services? Reach out to them today and invite them to sit with you at church this weekend. Your invitation may be the catalyst that launches their faith journey.
34 But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees with his reply, they met together to question him again. 35 One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”
37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
41 Then, surrounded by the Pharisees, Jesus asked them a question: 42 “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?”
They replied, “He is the son of David.”
43 Jesus responded, “Then why does David, speaking under the inspiration of the Spirit, call the Messiah ‘my Lord’? For David said,
44 ‘The Lord said to my Lord,
Sit in the place of honor at my right hand
until I humble your enemies beneath your feet.’
45 Since David called the Messiah ‘my Lord,’ how can the Messiah be his son?”
46 No one could answer him. And after that, no one dared to ask him any more questions.
