Proverbs 3:34 Surely he scorns the scorners: but he gives grace unto the lowly.
The arguments from the pulpit concerning the abuse of grace these days has set me to wondering. Some of the ministers who say the extreme grace being taught, allows all sin to be acceptable, and this is just unacceptable to them. They say that this teaching is too loose and it lets people think they are getting away with sin. No one gets away with sin, whether they think it or not. Rom. 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
First, and foremost, I do not believe grace is as fragile and delicate as their arguments state. It is definitely holy because it comes from the heart of God, but not fracturable. God’s grace and the blood of Christ did cover all sin that ever was, is, and will be.
All sin was paid for; not just some, but all including the ones committed during our lifetime as we walk in our salvation with Christ. The Lord’s grace is not some weak ready-to-topple-over gift that might or might not work because of our shortcomings. John 1:16 And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
It is the Lord’s constant hand extended to all who have sinned and come short of eternal life. We, the sons and daughters of the Lord, are the result of God’s generous grace. God will keep pouring His grace on us for a testimony of God’s goodness in us. Acts 4:33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
All sin was paid for; not just some, but all including the ones committed during our lifetime as we walk in our salvation with Christ. The Lord’s grace is not some weak ready-to-topple-over gift that might or might not work because of our shortcomings. John 1:16 And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
It is the Lord’s constant hand extended to all who have sinned and come short of eternal life. We, the sons and daughters of the Lord, are the result of God’s generous grace. God will keep pouring His grace on us for a testimony of God’s goodness in us. Acts 4:33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
We sometimes think that when we commit a great wrong the Lord’s grace stops flowing. Not so! Saul was persecuting Christians and God’s grace was extended to Saul on his way to Damascus. God’s grace with conviction had such a profound effect on Saul he became a Christian and immediately changed his message.
Even after the first murder – and we would agree that it was a heinous crime, grace began to flow right after the judgement of Cain was set. Gen. 4:13 And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear. 14 Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that finds me shall slay me.
Cain makes a plea that he cannot bear the punishment of being separated from God. He says, “From thy face shall I be hid.” This reality is too much for Cain to carry in his mind and begins to describe his possible destruction. Cain is calling upon God’s grace and mercy during his sentencing and God blesses Cain with a promise.
Gen. 4:15 And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slays Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him. Even though Cain deserves to reap what he had sown, he ends up with a grace that brings a certain amount of deliverance.
Even after the first murder – and we would agree that it was a heinous crime, grace began to flow right after the judgement of Cain was set. Gen. 4:13 And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear. 14 Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that finds me shall slay me.
Cain makes a plea that he cannot bear the punishment of being separated from God. He says, “From thy face shall I be hid.” This reality is too much for Cain to carry in his mind and begins to describe his possible destruction. Cain is calling upon God’s grace and mercy during his sentencing and God blesses Cain with a promise.
Gen. 4:15 And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slays Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him. Even though Cain deserves to reap what he had sown, he ends up with a grace that brings a certain amount of deliverance.
As I write this blog I am not advocating that everyone run out and act helter-skelter and throw our holiness to the wind. I don’t act right in order to earn God’s grace. I live right because I have God’s grace working in me. Eph. 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
As long as we live on this earth we will be in need of improvement in our hearts and our everyday attitudes toward God and our fellow man. With the grace of God at work at all times in our hearts, we will be able to do so. It would be hubris to think otherwise.
I do not think we have scratched the surface of grace and our understanding of it. I think there will be an eternity of learning how wonderful the Lord’s grace toward us really is. No, grace is not some weak crackable gift of God that will not stand up to the sins of the human race. Grace is much stronger than what we have been presenting it as.
Grace is the unmerited favour given to every human being if they want it. Grace stands up and is strong! 2 Cor. 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
As long as we live on this earth we will be in need of improvement in our hearts and our everyday attitudes toward God and our fellow man. With the grace of God at work at all times in our hearts, we will be able to do so. It would be hubris to think otherwise.
I do not think we have scratched the surface of grace and our understanding of it. I think there will be an eternity of learning how wonderful the Lord’s grace toward us really is. No, grace is not some weak crackable gift of God that will not stand up to the sins of the human race. Grace is much stronger than what we have been presenting it as.
Grace is the unmerited favour given to every human being if they want it. Grace stands up and is strong! 2 Cor. 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Thank you God for your grace