Because the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23) and all have sinned (Romans 3:23), then all are dead in their trespasses (Colossians 2:13). But, since Christ--God in the flesh (Colossians 2:13)--died for us (Romans 5:8), cancelled our certificate of debt--death--by nailing it to the cross (Colossians 1:14), and then rose from the grave (1 Corinthians 15:3-4), our separation from God is concluded (2 Corinthians 5:19), we are made alive together with Christ (Colossians 1:12-13), and we are without sin (1 John 3:6). Having been made complete in Christ (Colossians 1:10), we are also fellow-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17) and recipients of the Holy Spirit--God's pledge of our inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14). This predestined adoption as sons through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:5) is a result of God's grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).
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