In our society, some people feel that they are entitled to this and that. They seem to think that they deserve happiness, success, comfortable living, fair treatment, etc. for whatever reasons. What do we all really deserve? The Bible says that we deserve death, punishment, and God’s wrath. However, because of God’s grace and mercy, we get what we do not deserve while we do not get what we deserve.
By His grace, God offers us the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ who died on the cross for our sins. God’s sinless, sovereign Son scorned by several, sacrificed self (solely suitable, satisfactory scapegoat) to save sinners’ souls securely from sin, suppressing sly satan’s success. That’s amazing grace, indeed!“For 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.” Ephesians 2:8-9
“To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the Beloved. in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace; wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence.” Ephesians 1:6-8
“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” John 1:17
Are you in pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness? Jesus Christ is the only One who can give you an eternal life/an abundant life, true liberty (from sins and from spiritual death), and true joy (not fleeting happiness).
What Does "Grace" Mean to You?
“And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1 Timothy 1:14-15
“Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 5:20-21
No words can adequately describe the depth and magnitude of God’s grace. Nothing can compare to God’s grace. Without God’s grace, there would be no salvation, forgiveness, redemption, righteousness, and reconciliation. The more we realize how wretched we are, the more we understand, appreciate, and embrace God's grace.
Excuse to Sin?...Not!
God’s grace is greater than all our sin, guilt, and shame. However, it is not an excuse for us to do whatever we please.
“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)By God’s grace, we are set free from being slaves to sin so that we may do “every good work” that God calls us to do.
“But by the grace of God I am what I am: and His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly that they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” (1 Corinthians 15:10)
“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: 10)
Grow in Grace
“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18)How do you grow in grace? By imitating Jesus Christ! He is the ultimate picture of “grace.” Is grace evident in your speech, attitude, and actions? Do you extend grace that the Lord bestowed upon you to others?
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and Godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” (Titus 2:11-14)“Growing in grace” means learning to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions while living self-controlled, upright, and Godly lives, being more like Christ each day.
His Grace is Sufficient
Not only are we saved by grace alone, but also we live/survive each day by His grace.
“And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)When we face trials in life, God’s grace always sustains us and strengthens us. His grace is sufficient for you and me in any situation. Rest in His grace and mercy!
John Newton who wrote the famous hymn, “Amazing Grace” said shortly before his death, “My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: That I am a great sinner and that Christ is a great Savior!” May we never stop being amazed by God’s grace!
God’s grace saved and redeemed us
Restored our relationship with our Heavenly Father
Amazing love demonstrated thus
Christ died for all sinners
Eternal life offered to all who believe in Jesus
Mrs. Liljequist is a wife and mother in a homeschooling family. She blogs at Living for God.
2 comments:
Oh my, how inspirational. So beautifully put! It's true, we do deserve death :o) I thank the Lord for his grace every single day <3 we are blessed!
Excellent. We need to continually remember we don't deserve the great salvation Jesus bought for us, and then too besides that He lives His life through us, since we are unable to in our strength. He does is all.
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