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True Conversion

True conversion means turning not only from sin—but also from depending on self-made righteousness. This is the reason that self-righteous people are so angry with gospel preachers, because the gospel does not spare those who will not submit to the righteousness of Jesus Christ!

George Whitefield

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What a man hopes for in heaven reveals the state of his heart. If he perceives heaven and its glories in terms of colonnaded mansions, golden streets and pearly gates, then it reveals a heart filled with the things of this world. But, if heaven is perceived as the privilege of being with Christ, beholding His glory, singing praises to Him and growing in the knowledge of Him forever, then it reveals a heart made alive to spiritual things. The closest thing to this experience on earth is the worship of the assembled church of God, for in her worship, the church meets with Christ, listens to a message of His glory, sings praises to Him and grows in the knowledge of Him. If you do not like church worship here, you will not like heaven, for heaven is simply the realization of all that the church longs for here!

Joe Terrell

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Freeman!

A Christian is the greatest freeman in the world. He is free from . . .the curse of the law, the wrath of God, Hell and damnation!

Richard Sibbes

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This letter is addressed to the saints at Ephesus, and thus all saints. Saints are those who have been saved by grace and for whom Christ has been made to be their sanctification (I Cor: 1: 30). They are sanctified and thus holy before the Lord because of the work of Christ (v. 4). They are also referred to as the faithful in Christ Jesus. This designates them as those who have been given the gift of faith, by grace after they heard the word of truth. This last phrase of verse 1, "faithful in Christ Jesus" sets a standard for all that follows. This does not describe the saints as faithful to Christ Jesus but faithful in Christ Jesus. This addresses the source and cause of that faithfulness... it is so because they are in Christ and this little word "in" is paramount and essential to all that Paul declares in this chapter.

Tim James (Studies in Ephesians)

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To suppose that the Lord Jesus has only half saved men, and that there is needed some work or feeling on their own part to finish His work, is wicked. What is there of ours that could be added to His blood and righteousness? "All our righteousness's are as filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6). Can these be patched on to the costly fabric of His divine righteousness? Rags and fine white linen! Our dross and His pure gold! It is an insult to the Saviour to dream of such a thing. We have sinned enough, without adding this to all our other offences.