SATURDAY May 2, 2020
Separated Ones
To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:7
Paul communicated to the congregation in Rome by sending them a personalized letter. It was not intended for the Galatians or Ephesians; this was an important letter just for them. It was hand delivered by a faithful Christian woman—Phoebe (Romans 16:1-2). Paul wrote to the Roman believers letting them know how much they were loved; they were the beloved saints of God, the called of Jesus Christ.
Christians are called saints. The word saint in the Greek language is the word hagios, meaning “separated ones.” God has given believers a title hagios--saints. The phrase “called to be saints” communicates an invitation. God had sent each individual person an invitation to accept His way of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. There is a misconception among people that by joining the local church, they can be saved. Yet people are not saved through becoming a member of a church. Each person has to be born again (John 3:3, 5-8).
Salvation is an invitation! Every person has to make a decision whether they want to become a child of God. They can decide to open the door to Christ or keep the door shut. Understand, Jesus will never force His way into someone’s life (Revelation 3:20). People have free will. They have the right to say yes or no to Christ, but He bids them to come:
“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls…” (Matthew 11:28-29).
If you decide to become a Christian by opening the door to Christ, you will need to live by the godly principles taught in the Word of God. Know that your family, friends and neighbors will be watching you. It can take years before they recognize God’s sanctifying work in your life.
Every ransomed man owes his salvation to the fact that during his days sinning, God kept the door of mercy open.
~A.W. Tozer~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!