G.R.A.C.E.
Everyone at one time or another has received a grace period for a late payment, or a decision, whatever. And you’ve also extended grace to other people. When some hear the word, they think of elegance, poise or charm. Even courtesy, politeness, good manners. Maybe it’s doing honor or credit to someone or something, like being in their presence or they being in yours. But in scripture, it is so much more.
An acronym is God’s riches at Christ’s expense. True! This is never better explained than in Ephesians 1.3. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places”. Every spiritual blessing is true riches, better than silver and gold. There is nothing we did to deserve this bountiful blessing. Christ died on a cross, shed his blood for the remission of our sins, and we partake by faith. In other words, Christ paid our well overdue debt for us with his blood. GRACE!!! And he emphasized the full payment with his last words. IT IS FINISHED!
Spiritual blessings
And it’s not just a one-time affair where we are recipients of salvation; it’s much more. It’s every spiritual blessing. What does that look like?
- We are saved by grace
- We are forgiven by grace
- We are sustained by grace
- We are healed by grace
- We are liberated by grace
- We are given talents/gifts by grace
- We are used by grace
- We are kept by grace
All because of Jesus
Finally, focus on this. Nothing about you or me is of any value whatsoever were it not for the grace emanating from the cross. Everything about us and this creation hinges on the finished work of Jesus at Golgotha. It cannot be overstated. Live every moment in the crucible of his amazing grace. AMEN?
