"Any concept of grace that makes us feel more comfortable sinning is not Biblical grace. God's grace never encourages us to live in sin; on the contrary, it empowers us to say no to sin and yes to truth." ~Randy Alcorn
God's grace makes some people uncomfortable.
I remember a conversation I had with a friend of mine. Kevin is from Ireland but is now a US citizen. However, he travels back and forth often to visit family. He was discussing grace with the priest of his local Irish parish one day. Kevin asked him why he didn't spend time preaching about God's grace. He brought up specific Scripture passages and the priest laughed. He said if he taught that the people would simply do whatever they wanted.
Now, I'm not here to single out this priest but to make an important point.
If I truly understand:
- There is nothing I can do to earn my salvation
- There aren't enough good deeds to tip the scales in my favor
- Comparing myself to people who commit the 'big sins' isn't Biblical
- Going to church doesn't buy my salvation
- Being baptized doesn't grant me a ticket to heaven
Ephesians 2:8-9 says:
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith --and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast."
Sometimes it can be hard to receive a gift. But when we examine the Truth of God's Word, we see that we are all sinners by nature.
Romans 3:23: "...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Our sin separates us from God.
Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
But God is love.
Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this; While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
That's what grace is all about. When I accept and truly realize what this gift means, I don't want to sin more.
As long as I live on this side of eternity, I will sin.
But the closer I grow in my relationship with the Lord, the more I want to please Him. It's amazing but over time, He begins to change the desires within me.
And it's all based on LOVE not rules and regulations.
I encourage you to share your thoughts on this quote or link up your own blog post to Living for God.
Blessings and love,
Yes mam. Amen.
ReplyDeleteLove that quote.
And I love this:
"It's amazing but over time, He begins to change the desires within me."
It's incredible isnt it? I've been praying through the fruits of the Spirit this month...and I've never experienced such a move in my own heart. Only Him.
Love to you,
Kate :)
Oh, Debbie
ReplyDeleteThis is so true - there is nothing we can do to "tip the scales in our favor."
Well said!
Hope your day is blessed and bright - Marsha
I love the quote that was chosen and how true! Men can fight all they want when it comes to religions but in reality, it doesn't save any. So simple of the truth from Jesus...It's done. For us. Not by us.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder! God bless.
You said it all beautifully.....I keep thinking of the song "God's grace"...what a gift we have been given.....
ReplyDeleteThat was good. God's grace and the fact that it's freely given should give us the desire to earn it although we never ever could.
ReplyDelete"As long as I live on this side of eternity, I will sin."
ReplyDeleteWow! How can we not? We are in a fleshly body surrounded by sin and sinners.
I love the words in Titus 2:11-12 that teach us that grace is like a teacher... teaching us how to put on His righteousness and endure to the other "side of eternity."
Have a wonderful week, Debbie:-))
~esthermay
Said with beauty....Thankful for Gods grace....
ReplyDeleteWell said! Because of God's amazing grace and love for me, I desire to please and honor Him out of love and gratitude. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and linking up with IOW this week.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Debbie! I know that when I stumble, God is there to pick me up; He holds me in His loving arms and guides and directs me to the path of righteousness. However, even with this assurance of His grace, I know I must make every effort to realize the seriousness of my sin, and not make any excuses for careless living! :)
ReplyDeleteGetting very excited for the 1st of April!! :)
Blessings friend!
Denise
I don't think I could earn it. God's grace & love are the most amazing gift.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your encouragement today