“That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.”
(Ephesians 1:12)
The great design of God in saving sinners is not only that they might escape wrath, but that they might live to the praise of His glory. For when God effectually calls a sinner to Himself, He rescues one who is dead in sin and makes him a monument of His mercy and a trumpet of His praise. And in every age God has a people who stand for His truth, oppose the corruptions of the times, and bear witness to His name, for those who have received such mercy should and do show forth His praise.[1]
Conversion is referred to in Scripture as a drawing, a resurrection, and a creation. But a man cannot convert himself any more than a dead man can raise himself. The natural man is bound in the chains of sin, and unless God breaks those chains and gives him spiritual life, he cannot come to Christ.
Conversion is therefore the work of God’s power and grace, without which we remain strangers to God and enemies of God. One in that condition has no right to the promises of God and no saving interest in Christ. Therefore it concerns every one of us to make sure of our calling to salvation, for there is no hope apart from life with God in Christ.
Indeed, Scripture urges believers to “make our calling and election sure” (2 Peter 1:10). Though many rest in baptism, in hearing the Word, in making a profession of faith, these things do not prove that one is effectually called.
But for those who are, this is certainly grounds for adoration. That God should take a sinner from the depths of depravity and call him into a state of grace is a great work of mercy and power. That God should take those who were His enemies and make them His friends, those who were dead and give them life, those who were in darkness and bring them into light is a work that should cause us to praise and adore Him forever.
And thus, the end of our calling is that we should live to the praise of His glory. Our lives should be lives of praise, obedience, holiness, and service to God. Those who have received mercy should show forth mercy; those who have received grace should show forth grace; those who have been called by God should live for God.
Contemplations:
- Adoring God for Sovereign Grace. Lord, I adore You for Your sovereign grace in calling sinners to Yourself. I was once in darkness, without understanding, without love for You, and without desire for holiness. I lived for myself and not for Your glory. Yet You called me by Your grace and brought me to Yourself. I adore You for Your free grace, for Your mercy that chose me, and for Your power that called me. Let my life be lived to the praise of Your glory, the end for which You have called me.
- Adoring God for His Mighty Power in Conversion. Lord, I adore You for the mighty power You displayed in my conversion. I could not change my own heart, I could not give myself spiritual life, and I could not break the chains of sin. I was bound in sin and unable to come to You. But You called me, and with Your call You gave life, light, and faith. You opened my eyes, changed my heart, and turned my will toward You. This is Your work, and therefore all the glory belongs to You alone. I adore You for Your power, that You would raise a dead sinner and make him alive unto God.
- Adoring God for Making Me Fit for Heaven. Father, I adore You because You not only saved me from wrath, but are preparing me for glory. You are changing my heart, teaching me to love holiness, and preparing me for the company of the saints and angels. You are making me fit for heaven, a work of grace from beginning to end. You are sanctifying me and making me ready for that eternal state where I shall see You and praise You forever.
- Adoring God for Making Me a Monument of Mercy. Lord, I adore You that You would take a sinner and make him a monument of Your mercy and a trumpet of Your praise. When others see what You have done for me, I want them to see Your mercy and Your power. Let my life be a testimony to Your grace. Let my heart love You, my lips praise You, and my life honor You.
Prayer (Adoration)
Most holy and glorious God, I adore You for Your great and marvelous works in the salvation of sinners. I adore You for Your eternal wisdom, by which You planned salvation before the foundation of the world. I adore You for Your sovereign grace, by which You chose a people for Yourself in Christ and for Your mighty power, by which You call sinners out of darkness into light and from death into life.
You called me by Your grace and made me a new creature. I was once blind, and You gave me sight. I was once dead in sin, and You gave me life. I was once far from You, and You brought me near by the blood of Christ. All this is Your work, and therefore all the glory belongs to You alone.
I adore You for the Lord Jesus Christ, through whom this calling comes. I adore Him for His obedience, His suffering, His death, and His resurrection, and that He purchased redemption and calls His people to Himself. I adore You for the Holy Spirit, who applies this redemption to the soul, who changes the heart, enlightens the mind, and renews the will. I adore You that every Person of the Trinity is active in the salvation of sinners.
I adore You that You are preparing a people for Yourself who will live to the praise of Your glory. You take those who were enemies and make them friends, those who were dead and give them life, and those who were in darkness and bring them into light.
I adore You for Your grace, Your mercy, Your patience, and Your love. I adore You that You are worthy of all praise, honor, and glory. There is none like You in heaven or on earth. All glory be to You for Your great salvation and for Your great mercy toward sinners. Let my life be lived to the praise of Your glory, for this is the end for which I was called.
In Jesus’ name I pray.
Further Scripture References Eph. 1:12:
Phil. 1:11; Eph. 3:21; Acts 15:11; Eph. 1:6
[1] Thomas Watson, A Divine Cordial, Or, The Transcendent Privilege of Those That Love God and Are Savingly Called, (London: Printed for Tho. Parkhurst .., 1663), 156–161.
