The Operation of God
Something incredible happens to us the moment we believe the gospel of the grace of God (1 Cor 15:1-4). The Bible calls it the "operation of God".
Colossians 2:12
“Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.”
1. First, the unsaved sinner decides for himself to believe the gospel.
2. Then, the Holy Spirit seals the believer the very moment they believe the gospel of the grace of God.
3. There is also a circumcision made without hands that is performed.
4. We are also spiritually baptized as a member into the body of Christ.
5. We are also made a complete member of His Body. Members are building his body of believers.
This ALL takes place the very moment that we believe the gospel of the grace of God, how that Christ died for our sins, was buried and rose again for our justification!
Let's look at some verses.
✝️ First the unsaved sinner decides for himself to believe the gospel. It's important to note that man has freewill choice (volition) in whether or not to believe the gospel. Once they have chosen to believe the gospel, they are given eternal life in Christ Jesus. They need to first understand that they are a sinner and cannot save themselves. Then, they are to simply believe the gospel. Works are NOT required for salvation.
Romans 3:23 in the King James Bible says,
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Romans 1:16
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Romans 3:24
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
✝️ Then the Holy Spirit seals the believer the very moment they believe the gospel of the grace of God.
Ephesians 1:13
13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
✝️ There is also a circumcision made without hands that is performed.
Colossians 2:11-15
11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
✝️ We are also spiritually baptized as a member into the body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:13
13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
✝️ We are also made a complete member of His Body. Members are building his body of believers.
Ephesians 5:30
“For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.”
1 Cor 12: 18-20
18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
Ephesians 4: 15-16
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
2 Corinthians 5:20
20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
Amazing! Praise the Lord! All glory to God!
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