Grace & Salvation - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) May 3, 2024
Being a Christian, and a good one at that, can seem very daunting. Treat others as you want to be treated. Don't gossip. Don't sleep with people outside of marriage. Be careful what you say because the tongue is powerful. Study your Bible each day. Make time to fellowship with believers. The instructions appear to be endless while nonbelievers seem to be living their lives with no concerns.
However, the only reason why walking with God in truth seems complex is because many of us ignore the reality of grace and what it has achieved for us. We think we have to rely upon our own strength to do it all. We forget that Christianity is the only religion and way of life that allows for God's grace to do a lot of the heavy lifting for us.
As a result, we disregard the salvation that Christ purchased with His blood, not recognizing its significance in helping us be pleasing to the Lord.
God knew that humans were too far gone in sin to enter heaven and live with Him. He knew humanity needed a sacrifice to cleanse them and make them holy enough to enter His presence. And so, He sent Jesus to live among men, be killed by them, and then be resurrected by the power of the Almighty.
That process purchased grace for all who would claim it by acknowledging Christ as their Lord and Savior. In yielding their lives to Jesus, every born-again believer steps into a cocoon of grace that speaks volumes on their behalf.
Nevertheless, the receipt of this gift of grace places responsibilities on the recipients. They are required to observe God's instructions and strive for righteousness. However, God knew that humanity's nature would be a stumbling block and He therefore allowed His grace, love, and mercy to be never-ending. And through Jesus Christ, there has also been the offer of salvation (Titus 2:11).
Furthermore, it is that same grace and salvation that enable us to live lives worthy of God so we aren't required to rely upon our personal strength. Titus 2:12 tells us that God's grace "teaches us to reject ungodliness and worldly (immoral) desires, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives [with a purpose that reflect spiritual maturity] in this present age" (AMP).
We therefore have to accept God's grace so we can achieve godly and not ungodly lives. We have to come to the end of ourselves and acknowledge that it is only by Christ - the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world - that we have any strength. When we do this, we will no longer see living for God as impossible or intimidating. Keep in mind that this attitude is what satan wants so a self-defeatist perspective stops people from living their best lives in God while making them think they can achieve their best life through their effort and power.
Let us each allow God's grace to do its work in us and for us, building us up in faith and obedience as well as helping us submit our carnal nature to Him. The Lord is patient and will teach us how to 'roll' with Him if we are willing to cooperate with His leading. Praise the Lord
To learn more, please read:
Comments