Ephesians 2:12; 14-16;
Romans 5:10
Restoring Our Relationship
Restoring Our Relationship
Unregenerate
man is consistently described as being in a state of alienation and enmity.
This is the condition that makes reconciliation necessary. Reconciliation is
necessary only when a state of estrangement exists between two or more parties.
Estrangement is the natural fallen state of our relationship to God.
How
are we enemies of God? Jonathan Edwards provides an insightful summary of the
problem. He lists several points of tension between God and man:
· By nature, we have a
low esteem of God. We count Him unworthy of our love or fear.
· We prefer to keep a
distance from God. We have no natural inclination to seek His presence in
prayer.
· Our wills are opposed
to the law of God. We are not loyal subjects of His sovereign rule.
· We are enemies against
God in our affections. Our souls have a seed of malice against God. We are
quick to blaspheme and to rage against Him.
· We are enemies in
practice. We walk in a way that is contrary to Him.
Coram deo: Living
before the face of God
Examine your spiritual condition in light of
Edwards’s five points of tension between God and man.
Adapted
From: You Version Discerning God’s Will
