"But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, MADE US ALIVE with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions..." (Ephesians 2:4-5.)
The common teaching and belief is that even before his conversion, men has a choice to accept the offer of God. But how could a "dead" (spiritually) man have that choice?
"The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Cor. 2:14).
"...the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so" (Rom. 8:7).
If we do not have the Spirit -- spiritually dead -- we cannot choose our way to God. We are incapable of making ourselves alive -- physically, or SPIRITUALLY -- and choose what He offers!
But God who makes the choice "made us alive with Christ"!
Jesus Christ who said, "You did not choose me, but I chose you..." (John 15:16) also said:"I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has NOW come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live" (John 5:25).
Are you one of those who have heard His Voice?
"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above... Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your LIFE IS NOW hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory" (Col. 3: 1-4).
(If you have some questions on this topic, you may find your answer at http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=95996 or http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=94997.)
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