saved from an unspeakable hell
"You were dead." —Ephesians 2:1
We start life "dead in sin" (Eph 2:5), and we buy into death through our "sins and offenses" (Eph 2:1). In this living death (1 Jn 3:14), we are blinded, manipulated, and drafted into giving "allegiance to the present age and to the prince of the air, that spirit who is even now at work among the rebellious" (Eph 2:2). Satan keeps us in line and enslaved by seducing us to live "at the level of the flesh, following every whim and fancy" (Eph 2:3). Thus, certain sins become our very lives (Col 3:7). When we occasionally get glimpses of our lives of death and slavery, we hate ourselves for our addiction to being seduced and abused by the evil one. Then, we lie to ourselves and try to run away from reality by yielding to more seductions and demonic abuse. Thus, our lives deteriorate "through illusion and desire" (Eph 4:22). Of ourselves, we are trapped and doomed to an everlasting hell of being mocked, raped, and abused.
"But God is rich in mercy; because of His great love for us He brought us to life with Christ when we were dead in sin. By this favor you were saved" (Eph 2:4-5). Thank You, Jesus, for saving us from an unspeakable hell and saving us for an unimaginable heaven. Thank You, Jesus, our Savior.
Prayer: Father, You loved us so much that You sent Your Son so that whoever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life (Jn 3:16). I believe in Him with all my heart.
Promise: "Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful song." —Ps 100:2
Praise: St. Isaac Jogues was maimed, tortured, hung from ropes, and beaten many times by the Indians to whom he ministered. Yet he refused to permanently leave them despite many opportunities. He baptized over seventy-five Indians before he was killed for his faith in Jesus.
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The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, April 4, 1998
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 8, 1998