What
do you think about those ads that show a person before and after using a
certain product or going through a medical procedure? I knew someone who went
through reconstructive jaw surgery. She was told to dress shabby, not to do her
hair or even wear make-up, and no smiling for the before-picture. Then when the
procedure went well, she was to primp herself, dress up, and smile big for the
after-shot. It was a way to show future clients how much improved their looks
(and/or lives) could be after taking advantage of their services. Not a bad
sales ploy really. The funny thing is that this person didn’t have to look bad
for the before-pic nor dress up for the after one. The end result was a marked,
very noticeable improvement – no dress rehearsals or camera tricks were needed.
The
same is true for your life before and after Jesus. When seen as it truly is, a
sinner’s life is extremely dreary and dismal. Paul describes it vividly in
Ephesians 2 (verses 1-3 and 11-12). Those outside of Christ are . . .
Dead (spiritually) in transgressions
and sin; enslaved to spiritual decay.
Objects of God’s wrath: and He aims
to punish sin.
Separate from Christ: no possible
rescue from sin.
Excluded from citizenship in Israel:
aliens / not invited.
Foreigners to the covenants of the promise:
no inheritance.
Without hope: nothing to live for.
Without God in the world: no hope to
change your sad situation.
Not
a pretty picture is it?
Jesus
came to reverse these sorry effects. When He stated that He was the
resurrection and the life (John 11:25-26) He was in effect declaring to be the
solution to the miserable results caused by our sin. We don’t have to live in
such a dismal state. Now we have access to a much improved after-picture for
our soul’s future.
The
joys of being in Christ (the after-picture) are so obvious and noticeably
superior. Paul describes the beauty, peace, and contentment that are ours after
getting into Christ (Ephesians 2:4-10 and 13-22). Those in Christ are . . .
Made alive: revived, energized, and
cheerful.
Seated with Christ: right next to
God Himself.
God’s workmanship: instruments of
righteousness.
Brought near to God: objects of His
love and mercy.
United with other believers: restoration
of peace & harmony.
Fellow citizens with God’s people: a
meaningful existence.
Members of God’s household:
inheritors of God’s blessings.
Dwelling place of God’s Spirit: He is
always near.
A
much nicer picture of things wouldn’t you say?
So
where are you with Jesus; the before picture (dismal, hopeless, useless) or the
after picture (peaceful, hopeful, useful)? It’s a wonderful blessing to be able
to change your future outlook. That’s a result of God’s amazing grace which He
provides to everyone through the atonement of Jesus. Recognize the miserable
picture that develops from being outside of Him. Return and live for Him from
now on in the after-picture of joy, peace, and contentment. He came here to
this earth, suffered and died to remove your sin from you so that you could
enjoy a renewed life.
Don’t
let Him down. Come to Him today and be restored to new and improved life.
Doug
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