The Abiding Gift of Prophecy

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Chapter 27—Claims Tested by Their Fruits

The sinner who accepts salvation through faith in Christ enters into a new relationship. “As many as received Him, to them gave He power [“right, or, privilege,” margin] to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” John 1:12. By nature an alien enemy, the sinner becomes through Christ, a son. This is a marvelous change of relationship. AGP 293.1

With this new relationship there must be assumed new responsibilities. The apostle Peter declares: “As every man hath received the gift [of salvation], even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:10. It therefore becomes the imperative duty of those saved by the grace of God to work for the enlightenment and salvation of others. The apostle Paul presents the matter thus: AGP 293.2

“By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10.

The sinner who has been saved by grace is God’s “workmanship.” He is a new piece of humanity—a new creation. He is “created in Christ Jesus.” The apostle proceeds to point out the new responsibilities that accompany this new relationship. “Created,” he declares, “unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” AGP 293.3