“See this alone I found, that God made man upright but they have sought out many schemes” (Ecclesiastes 7:29). 

This morning we begin a new series of messages entitled, “What the Bible Says About…” Over the course of the next six weeks, we will examine what the Bible says about sin, salvation, sanctification, security, prayer and the church. Each of these topics is important for us in our day. 

As I prepared this series of messages, it struck me that many Christians today do not possess an understandable and applicable base of information about these topics. I trust that each topic will inform and challenge you to a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.

In that light, the passage I cited above is quite instructive for us as we seek to understand how we were originally created, and what’s gone wrong since then. King Solomon, the author of Ecclesiastes, made it clear that at the time of creation men were created “upright.” The word literally means “straight, correct or level.” However, due to Adam’s sin against God, man’s nature was radically changed, corrupted. The result is that ever since Adam’s sin, mankind has sought its own way, devoid of seeking God. Men have invented devices or schemes of one sort or another to substitute for a relationship with the true God. Because of Adam’s sin, men have forfeited any hope of reconciling with God based on their own merit or worthiness. What a dilemma; would you agree?

Yet God, in his mercy and love for his creation, has created a way for men to be reconciled to God. That means is through the death and resurrection of his Son, Jesus. Once so reconciled to God through Christ, men are free to live in a manner that is set apart (sanctified and holy). A sanctified relationship with God through Christ is secure. Nothing can take it away from us. And as a means of growing deeper in our relationship with God, he has given us the freedom to interact with him whenever we desire (prayer). Further, he has created a living entity (the church) to serve as the vehicle through which the manifold wisdom of God is made known to the entire world. 

Can you see the wonderful wisdom in God’s plan? Man is sinful, utterly separated from God, totally helpless. God has taken the initiative by making a way for men to be saved. Once saved in Christ, God makes his children holy (sanctified) in his sight. This newfound relationship with God is protected by God. It is safe and secure. Further, God invites us to interact with him regularly through prayer as we join with others in worship, learning and witnessing of the gospel (church). If we understand “what the Bible says about” these topics, our lives will be enriched, Christ will be exalted and our joy will be magnified. I’m looking forward to this series of messages. I trust you are also!