Serve and praise God in this world

To the Editor:

All of mankind since the fall of Adam have been born sinners and alienated from God (Ps. 58:3; Isa. 48:8). Because of this depraved state “there is no man just upon earth, that doeth good and sinneth not” (eccl. 7:20). Paul declares in Romans chapter 3, “none righteous, none understand, none seek after God, none do good, not one” (Rom. 3:10-12) and “there is no fear of God before their eyes” Rom. 3:17). Because of the natural state of mankind all deserve condemnation and destruction.

But because of the love of God for His creation, He has chosen to show mercy to those He has chosen in Christ. Those known by Him (Gal. 4:9) He has drawn unto Himself (John 6:44) and has redeemed them by the work of the Holy Spirit by regenerating their hearts (John 3:5-8) making them willing to trust in Christ. Those being led by the Spirit have been adopted as children of God(Rom. 8:14-16). This adoption by the Spirit has made them sons and daughters of the Father (2 Cor. 6:18). Those adopted into the family of God have become joint heirs with Christ and have entered His kingdom (Col. 1:13).

So those of us who have been born of the Spirit and truly trust in Christ as LORD and Savior have been adopted as sons or daughters into the kingdom of God. To serve Him and praise Him as heirs with Christ in this world and in the world to come.

Jim Batt

Mexico, Pa.