25/07/2023 - WE WERE CHILDREN OF WRATH

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Among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. Ephesians 2.3

We, the saved, have experienced the transformation made in us by the Almighty with the death of Jesus, who replaced us on the cross. Until then, we had no one who could deliver our souls from the clutches of the evil one. Therefore, we did things that make us feel ashamed even when we think about them. Our debt to the world was immense. Now, however, we are free from the forces of darkness, which are masters at tempting us!

Life without the Gospel is dominated by the desires of the flesh, and this held us in the hands of the enemy. There are still plenty of people living like this throughout the world. Even people in countries ruled by strict regimes commit such errors. Without a doubt, we can say that, everywhere, such dirty practices take place that, just by referring to them, we become sinners (Ephesians 5.12).

Life without faith in the Word is sad and oppressive. Many seek to kill themselves, and some even do so, because they can no longer bear the shame of their actions. We need to run to them and tell them that God has not taken their past mistakes into account, and that the mercy of the Lord invites them to seek Him and prove that He forgives, cleanses, and gives new and productive life to those who can no longer see a way out of their sins (Acts 17.30).

There are many people who are guided by their own will, which is why they are capable of doing crazy things that will take them to court. Why live like this when the Lord offers them the opportunity to start over, to receive forgiveness for their filthy attitudes that made the devil happy? On God’s side, there is forgiveness and life for those who want to be able to act right. Just believe!

The worst of all is the sinful nature that we received from Adam, which leads us to the condition of children of wrath. This is terrible, because it means that those who are not converted to Christ will never know what is good. How can one be born and die without knowing the Truth? We must give those who perish the instruction on how to be saved. God forgives the repentant (Acts 2.37-39).

How many millions die every minute without having heard what Jesus did for them? Whose fault and responsibility is it for these lives? Can we do anything to change this scenario? Certainly! The lost would be converted if there were more preachers spreading the love of Jesus. Does failing to obey Christ make us children of wrath? Yes!

Those who speak of God’s love know that one day they will come face to face with Him. At that moment, the Most High will give the crown of righteousness to those who gave themselves to the lost (2 Timothy 4.8), despising their lives to save those who were not even looking for the Lord!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares