Long before [God] laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. (Ephesians 1:4 The Message)

 
We exercise because we want to grow stronger; we take vitamins in the hope of being healthy; we attend language classes expecting to learn a new language. We travel for adventure; we work in the hope of prospering; we love partly in the hope of being loved. So why Christianity? What is the effect Christianity is intended to have upon a person who becomes a Christian, seeks to live as a Christian?

The way you answer that question is mighty important. Your beliefs about this will shape your convictions about nearly everything else. It will shape your understanding of the purpose of the gospel; it will shape your understanding of what you believe God is up to in a person’s life. What is Christianity supposed to do to a person?

God wants to make people whole and holy, by his love. To make you whole and holy by his love. Whole, and holy—this is what you ache for.

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Jesus — do I really believe this? What do I think you are actually up to in my life? Show me, Lord.

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