Chapter 1
What has happened to me

Trusting Christ is the beginning of a new relationship and a new identity. You have entrusted yourself to Jesus, the Son of God who became truly human, died for our sins, and rose again. He reconciles us to the Father.

You are a believer and a disciple. These are not two levels of Christianity. Everyone who truly trusts Jesus is called to learn from him and follow him. Discipleship is not an advanced program. You follow because he has graciously called you, not to earn his acceptance.

Paul describes people separated from God by sin, then describes God’s mercy in making them alive with Christ. Grace means God’s undeserved favor. Salvation is his rescue from sin and its judgment, bringing us into life with him. Faith receives Christ and relies on him. Even your response gives you no reason to boast in yourself. The rescue comes from God.

You will hear Christians speak of being born again. This means the Holy Spirit gives new spiritual life (John 3:1-8). Justification means God declares those who trust Christ righteous because of Christ, rather than because they have earned a good enough record. Adoption means he welcomes them as his children. These gifts belong together, though the words describe different aspects of God’s saving work.

Your history may still affect you. Memories, habits, strained relationships, and consequences do not all disappear overnight. New life means you now face them in relationship with Jesus and with help from his Spirit and people. Growth will take time. You can tell the truth about what needs to change without denying what God has already done.

Notice the order in Ephesians 2. God saves by grace through faith, and he creates his people for good works. Good works are a result of his rescue. They are never the price of admission. As a disciple, you learn to live from the acceptance Christ gives you.