Grace in our Lives
In our fellowship we operate like the pendulum on a clock. We swing to extremes on just about every issue. The subject of grace is no different. Too often we fall into two groups. We have the salvation by faith alone group. This group is reacting against the works group. On the other side of the equation is the work your way to righteousness group. Their main intent is to show that it isn’t by faith only. The truth lies somewhere in the middle between these two extremes. As a result of these extreme views grace has become a point of dissention. This ought not be!
Let me describe first what grace is not. Grace is not permission to sin. The doctrine of permission basically says, “Ignore God because His grace will cover you. The doctrine of permission is a perversion of grace. Grace does not allow us to live our lives anyway we choose. The Romans had made this mistake. Paul told them in Romans 6:1-2 they had no right to continue in sin.
On the other hand grace isn’t married to the concept of Legalism. Legalism is trusting in self rather than Christ. This doctrine basically says, “Here is perfect doctrine, keep it and be saved.” Man has never and will never be justified by law keeping. Galatians 2:16 tells us this very thing.
What is Grace? This seems to be the question we must address. John 1:17 says, “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” In 2 Corinthians 8:9 scripture further explains what has taken place through grace. It says, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” Grace came to earth through Jesus Christ. Real grace is Jesus changing places with us. Jesus became the sin payment. He became death for us. It was man who deserved to die, but Christ extended to us unmerited favor when he changed places with us.
This grace is available to all men. Jesus came to earth as sin payment and grace for all men. According to Scripture all will not be saved. In fact, only a remnant will find their way to eternal life. This doesn’t cheapen grace. In fact it makes it of even more value. While Jesus was willing to change place with any and all men, only those who accept this unmerited favor through genuine obedient faith will be saved. Praise God for His love. It is through the willingness of God that we enjoy this wonderful grace. Because God loved us beyond measure Christ is allowed and willing to change places with us. That my friend is what grace is really all about. Talk about unmerited favor! It is really about Jesus willingness to change places with sinful man. This is the practical definition of Grace.
