Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 04, 2022: SOAP #4749: Ephesians 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Ephesians (NIV) 2:3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

OBSERVATION:  What a God!  He has great love and is rich in mercy.  Two words that should make every sinner’s heart rejoice: “great” and “rich.”  God’s great love is more than sufficient to reach a sinful heart and His mercy is more than sufficient to cleanse every sin! 

APPLICATION: God’s love for me cannot be described as ordinary.  It is GREAT love! 

He is not about to run out of mercy.  He is not hesitant to give me more mercy in fear that there might not be enough for others!  I do not have to squeeze mercy from God; He is RICH in mercy toward me!

Why could not God just overlook the sins of His creation?  What would keep a loving God from giving mercy to everyone?  His nature.  His HOLY nature.  Sin cannot be swept under the rug.  It must be atoned for!   It cannot be overlooked and ignored.   That is why Jesus came.  That is why sinless Jesus died on the cross.  Sinless blood was shed to cover my sin. 

The perfectly holy God can be merciful because the full price for sin was paid at Calvary!  God’s great love motivates Him to be merciful, but it is the cross that enables the holy God to be merciful.  GREAT LOVE + THE CALVARY SACRIFICE = RICH IN MERCY!!!

PRAYER:   Lord, how great is your love for me and how rich is your mercy!  I am so blest!  How I am thankful for the cross!  Forgive my sins based on your sacrifice. I receive your forgiveness and acknowledge you as my Lord. Amen.

Pastor Leon
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