I'm pondering God's grace these days. I suppose it's never too far below the surface, since this Christian faith that I'm passionate about is inexorably tied to grace. Without this thing we call grace, Christianity becomes just another religion. It becomes another religion of rules, requirements with lists of do and don'ts. It fades into the many world religions that require us to follow a prescribed path of self-improvement in order reach a place where God will accept us.
However, grace causes Christianity to stand out. Gordon MacDonald said, "You need not be a Christian to build houses, feed the hungry, or heal the sick. There is only one thing the world cannot do. It cannot offer grace."
In Christianity, the entire basis of our relationship with God is grace. It's not our accomplishments, our ability, how much Scripture we've memorized, how many times we've attended church this year, how much money we've given, how good we are or anything else related to our ability. Paul said it like this: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:7-9 (NIV)
In Christianity, we're talking about what God has already done for us, rather than what God requires us to do in order to be accepted. It's done, not do.
It is important that I mention that this Christian grace I'm talking about has to be connected to the Cross of Jesus Christ.
"For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood." Romans 3:20-25 (NLT)
God offers us the unearned gift of forgiveness. He offers us an opportunity to begin again. He offers us an opportunity to become His followers and the privilege of heaven. None of the amazing gifts God offers us are deserved. They are a gift, by grace. But in all this talk of free gifts, let's remember that this gift cost Jesus everything. He suffered and died on the cross to pay our penalty. He takes our sin and gives us His righteousness, His grace, in exchange. God offers us grace because of the unimaginable payment Jesus paid on our behalf. That's why this grace is always connected to faith. Faith in what Jesus provides through the cross.
In these days after Easter, I would like to encourage you to think and read about God's grace. Be very sure that you've based your relationship with God on grace, rather than anything you have to offer Him. While you're at it, think about how God might want you to extend grace to people around you. After all, when I consider the Amazing Grace that God pours into my life day after day, how could I not give that same grace to those around me? Let's live in such a manner that we draw people to the grace that makes Christianity unique!
•••
Editor's note: Al Fowler is the pastor of First Baptist Church, Pea Ridge. He can be contacted at 451-8192, or by e-mail at [email protected].
Religion on 04/23/2014