Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Benefits of Grace - Christianity 101

There are many benefits to us of the grace, or favor, of God. Here are but a few:
"even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)" (Ephesians 2:5)
We are saved by grace and, not just our initial salvation, but salvation continually comes to us through the grace and favor of God. We are initially saved, but God's grace continues to save us by providing for us healing, protection, wholeness, security, and well-being.
"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:23-24)
We are all sinners and have all sinned, yet the grace of God has offered us justification from our sins. Our guilt and the sentence against us is removed in Christ and we stand before God as one who is clean of all charges and accusations against us.
"And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified." (Acts 20:32)
God's grace helps build us up in Christ, to mature us and make us fit for our inheritance in heaven. By God's grace we transition from children to full-grown men and women of God. God's grace makes us ready for what is ahead of us in God.
"For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:17)
By God's grace we are no longer looser in this life rather we are winners. We are no longer defeated but over-comers by His grace. We are no longer "under the circumstances" but live above them according to our faith in God. We are no longer ruled by sin but reign over our bodies and our passions. By His grace we are those who reign in life.
"and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:6-8)
God's grace is extended to us in His kindness. Even when we deserve His wrath, His grace persists towards us in kindness and gentleness. When we need help, when we need a friend, when we need to be lifted up, God is always there waiting and willing to show us His kindness through His grace in our lives.
"You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered." (1 Peter 3:7)
Our participation in the grace and favor of God unites us all as believers in Christ. Grace is a common theme in our lives and something we can fellowship around. More than doctrine, grace makes us one.

David Robison

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