His Amazing Grace
In the message "Strong In His Grace" we considered God's grace in the
process of Salvation and saw we can do nothing to earn a right standing
in His eyes. Our Heavenly Father poured out His love when He gave us
Jesus; "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were
still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).
God, through His amazing grace, gave us His Son and said, "Whoever
believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John
3:16). We are allowed into an eternal relationship with God because of
His grace and are strongly exhorted to live each day knowing our
relationship is maintained by the same grace in which it began, not by
anything we do or accomplish.
There are many things we are called to do as a Child of God, many ways
to serve and honor our Heavenly Father, many ways to be obedient and
seek after holiness; but we can NEVER fall into the trap of thinking,
even for a moment, that what we do adds to our Salvation by grace. As
much as faith in Jesus Christ is absolutely necessary for our
Salvation, faith in Jesus Christ is also absolutely sufficient.
Paul delivered this message in many of his letters, but nowhere as
strong as in his letter to the Galatian churches. He had preached the
message of Salvation by grace, but they had been led into a false
teaching which said they must earn their Salvation by first submitting
to the Old Testament Law. Paul warned that if we fall into this same
trap, "Christ will be of no value to you at all" (Galatians 5:2). The
things we do have value, but the value is not in the religious activity
or product we produce; rather, the only thing God will recognize is the
faith in our heart which ought to motivate ALL we seek to accomplish.
Galatians 5:6
"The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."
We show our love for God through worship, thanksgiving, prayer, study,
obedience, and faithful service; and we acknowledge His saving grace
with a humble spirit which does not allow us to become puffed up or
feel deserving of our Salvation. We demonstrate our love for others as
we refuse to cause harm, in word or deed, refuse to harbor
unforgiveness, and actively look for opportunities to serve. And we
show an understanding of God's grace as we express our love without
requiring others to earn our love or even love us in return.
Let's receive His grace with a thankful heart, knowing we bring nothing
to the cross besides our sin which He then takes away. Let's trust
only in His grace, given to us through faith, and express our faith
with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength as we love Him and love
one another. Let's begin to live this life like we truly understand
His amazing grace.
Have a Great Day!
Steve Troxel
God's Daily Word Ministries
When I read these I felt so uplifted my eyes filled with tears.
