RICHES OF GOD’S GRACE (Part 3 of 4)
James 1:17, Ephesians 1:3-8
James 1:17, Ephesians 1:3-8
James 1:17-18b: "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth...that we might be a kind of first fruits of all He created."
Remember the two words that are used to describe a believer’s life? Grace is when believers receive (blessings) which we do not deserve. Mercy is when believers do not get (the justice) we deserve.
The moment you accept Christ into your heart and receive salvation, you are incredibly rich! This amazing treasure comes to us through grace.
Grace is: A) Given by the heavenly Father (James 1:17). B) Given freely (Ephesians 1:6). C) Given abundantly (Ephesians 1:7-8). D) Given immediately. E) Given on Christ’s merit, unearned and underserved by us. F) Given to us forever; nothing can take it away.
Feel rich yet?
There’s more: We were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world. We were predestined to be adopted sons and daughters through Jesus Christ. We were redeemed (bought with Jesus’ blood). Our salvation was costly; the price was Jesus’ death. We are justified before the Father. That means we are no longer guilty of our sin. We are removed from God’s enemy list; He accepts us as children. That is reconciliation. (Romans 5:10).
But that’s not all: We are forgiven. Colossians 2:13 in the Bible says God does not hold our sin against us. But God will discipline us, as needed. (Hebrews 12:6). We are one with the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He abides in us, and we in Him. (John 15:5). We are joint heirs with Christ. (Romans 8:14-17). We have dual citizenship: citizens of Earth, and Heaven. (1Peter 1:3-4). God is working all things together for our good. (Romans 8:28).
Do you feel rich now?
Still with me? At salvation, we are set apart for God’s service. That’s what sanctification means. We are continually cleansed and refined throughout our lives. The indwelling Holy Spirit seals us as children of God. He guides and teaches, equipping us to do God’s will. This enables us to approach the throne of grace with confidence. (Romans 5:5, Ephesians 4:20, Hebrews 4:15-16). We’re promised a physical resurrection. (1 Corinthians 15:50-52).
When you feel poor, think of the riches you already own. Don’t ever say that you didn’t realize you were wealthy beyond measure.
Take Home Nugget
These are incomparable riches of God’s grace. How can anyone argue that being called, justified and glorified doesn’t make you feel special? (Romans 8:30, Ephesians 2:4-7).
Living life is more than playing a game.
Before the world, our heritage we trace--
God’s lavish grace upon us in Jesus’ name.
We’re trophies of His grace!
J.D. Griffith
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My background is a life time of worship, but seriously following Jesus came with age. Spiritual maturity is a leap of faith. Sometimes we don’t know what we’re missing until living on the edge of God’s leading. My life of self sufficiency ended abruptly when losing my job as an analytical chemist after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Now living on the edge of God’s leading has become a way of life that I wouldn’t trade for anything else.
Surrendering one’s will to the Lord can be scary. Why did I wait so long to do it? Diving into an intimate relation with the sovereign God of creation is the most secure position in the universe. Will you share your experience with me? Will you let me give you my testimony? May I introduce you to the Jesus I know?