Understanding Grace
Posted by: forthrightmag <forthrightmag@...>
http://www.forthright.net
Going straight to the Cross
Whether discovering or rediscovering grace, make
sure it's the real McCoy.
Understanding Grace
by Phil Sanders
But God, being rich in mercy, because of His
great love with which He loved us, even when
we were dead in our transgressions, made us
alive together with Christ (by grace you have
been saved), and raised us up with Him, and
seated us with Him in the heavenly places, in
Christ Jesus, in order that in the ages to
come He might show the surpassing riches of
His grace in kindness toward us in Christ
Jesus. For by grace you have been saved
through faith; and that not of yourselves, it
is the gift of God; not as a result of works,
that no one should boast. (Ephesians 2:4-9)
Sin is neither an illness nor merely inappropriate
behavior. It is a behavior with deadly toxin, and
those who sin separate themselves from God (Ezek.
18:4; Isa. 59:1-2). Those who live according to
the flesh must die (Rom. 8:12). Sin is
transgression of God's law (1 John 3:4), failure
to do right (James 4:17), and all unrighteousness
(1 John 5:17).
It has been the tendency of man to downplay sin.
Adam pointed to Eve, and Eve pointed to the
serpent. Saul blamed the people. Isaiah spoke of
those who call evil good and good evil. Life is
still that way. People re-label wickedness as an
alternative lifestyle, thinking that they can fool
others into accepting it. The tragedy is that many
do approve evil (Rom. 1:32).
We are hearing much about grace these days. Those
lost in sin need a Savior and need the grace of
God displayed in the blood of Jesus to wash away
their sins. Many thank God for His gifts and His
display of goodness towards us. Some have
rediscovered grace, thinking that preachers in
time past had neglected to speak on it. Perhaps
some have.
Grace, as a precious gift, must never be
trivialized. God saved us to make us into people
for His own possession (Eph. 2:10; Titus 2:11-14),
righteous and zealous for good works. As a gift,
grace works with our own repentance. Some think
grace excludes the need for dealing with sin any
further. They see little reason to pursue
repentance and righteousness. They assume the
grace of God will cover them as they remain in
their sins.
Grace does not turn an immoral practice into a
moral one -— apart from repentance. Grace does not
excuse following error or man-made innovations -—
apart from repentance. God expects men to change
and to fight the good fight (1 Tim. 1:18; 6:12);
He expects them to realize their bodies are the
temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19-20) and to
use the sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:10-18).
James urges Christians to put "aside all
filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in
humility receive the word implanted, which is able
to save your souls" (James 1:21). We can put to
death the sin in our lives (Rom. 8:13) with God's
help, which is so abundant and free.
Rather than make excuses over our weaknesses, let
us take hold of the joy and strength in the Lord.
"Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the
strength of His might. Put on the full armor of
God, that you may be able to stand firm against
the schemes of the devil" (Eph. 6:10-11).
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