"Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, unto Him, [be] glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end, Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Why? Because He hath chosen us in Him and He did so before the foundation of the world. As a consequence of His abundant love for His chosen people, and His willingness as the Good Shepherd to shed His precious holy blood on the cross, whilst we were still His enemies, we should desire to be holy and without blame before Him in love. (Ephesians 1:1-4) But not because of our own good works, but rather as a result of the kindness and love that He had for His beloved creation -- you and I. (Titus 3:4-7)
For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)
But now, we can be justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God hath set forth -to be] a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time His righteousness that He might be just, and the justifier of Him which believes in Jesus. (Romans 3:24-26)
Where is the boasting then? Of works? Or of the law? "Nay, but by the law of faith." (Romans 3:22-28)
We are justified by faith and sanctified by His Word. (John 17:17) When we repent and are water baptized in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are washed clean from all unrighteousness, because we have put on His garment, and thus, become righteous in Him.
That is, the same He having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved -- in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace ... wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself. (Ephesians 1:5-9)
"By whom we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations fro His Name ..." (Romans 1:5-6)
Therefore, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
"Now unto Him that is able, token you from failing, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, glory and majesty and dominion and power, both now and forever, amen." (Jude 1:24-25)
Stand in the offering plate.
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