Without Christ we are dead. We were dead in our trespasses and sins. We were followers of the ways of this world. We were followers of the Evil One. We were sons of disobedience. In Christ we are made alive by His mercy and love, by raising us up with Christ, and by grace through faith. Through Christ we are given a purpose. Our work is to demonstrate the fruit of our salvation, to be obedient to God, to share the gospel and to bring glory to God.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.