Written by: John Sernaque
Call to Worship
1 John 3: 1
3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
Ephesians 3: 17-19
3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
3:18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what [is] the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
The plan of redemption is not merely a way of escape from the penalty of transgression, but through it the sinner is forgiven his sins, and will be finally received into heaven,—not as a forgiven culprit pardoned and released from captivity, yet looked upon with suspicion and not admitted to friendship and trust; but welcomed as a child, and taken back into fullest confidence. The sacrifice of our Saviour has made ample provision for every repenting, believing soul. We are saved because God loves the purchase of the blood of Christ; and not only will he pardon the repentant sinner, not only will he permit him to enter heaven, but he, the Father of mercies, will wait at the very gates of heaven to welcome us, to give us an abundant entrance to the mansions of the blest. Oh what love, what wondrous love the Father has shown in the gift of his beloved Son for this fallen race! And this Sacrifice is a channel for the outflow of his infinite love, that all who believe on Jesus Christ may, like the prodigal son, receive full and free restoration to the favor of Heaven. { RH September 21, 1886, par. 12 }
God is love. God is with us. Knowing the love of Christ fills us with His infinite love for us. This great love allows us to come to Him as sinners, to be received as His children, heirs to the Royal Family. Jesus’ sacrifice, a demonstration of God’s love, provides every repentant sinner the opportunity to receive God’s forgiving mercies and grace. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son. Eternal life is God’s free gift to all who would believe on and proclaim Jesus as their Lord and Savior. What manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us.
Our Father, which art in heaven,
We thank Thee for all of Your love that You continually bestow upon us. We thank You for the sacrifice You made of Your only begotten son, Jesus Christ, who died for our sins that we might have life. We are sorry for hurting You and humbly repent of all our sins. As our Father of mercies, we pray for the forgiveness of our sins, that You wash us clean in the blood of Christ. Save us, dear Lord that we will see You in heaven and receive full and free restoration to the favor of Heaven. We pray that You help us, increase our faith, and grant us the faith of Christ Jesus. This we pray, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
