“If by grace, then it is no more by works.” Romans 11:6 NIV
“God’s grace offers liberty from sin, not license to sin.”
My thoughts today are about “amazing grace.”
An old-fashioned work ethic teaches things like: you work for what you get, effort equals reward, nothing is free, you deserve what you earn, and you get what you deserve whether good or bad. And that seems to hold true in most areas of life. I was taught not to expect others to do for me what I should and could do for myself. As true as that may be in most areas of life, that complicates a proper understanding of the Biblical concept of grace.
Theologians describe grace as “unmerited favor,” receiving good you neither deserved nor earned. Some people have been shown kindness so rarely that they don’t know how to receive it with humility and gratefulness when offered. Others wrongly presume that favor is somehow owed to them. There are two kinds of people: those who take nothing and those who take advantage. The first assume self-sufficiency; the latter presume entitlement. Both are in error.
The Apostle Paul wrestled with the concept of grace until he accepted it as God’s response to His own character, not a response to man’s worthiness or reaction to a man’s unworthiness. “Though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly . . Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst.” Read 1 Timothy 1:13-17 NIV. Paul knew who and what he had been; grace taught him who God has always been. Read Romans 5:6-11 NLT.
This is Paul’s reasoning: “And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.” Romans 11:6 NKJV. You have to read that a few times thoughtfully and slowly. God has eternally decided that He will relate to you with grace according to what He has done, not what you have or have not done. You are left to decide whether you will embrace that grace or attempt by your own efforts to earn and deserve God’s mercy and goodness. Let me assure you, God’s way is best! “God chose us . . He decided to make us holy in His eyes, without a single fault – we would stand before Him covered with His love . . And He did this because He wanted to!” Ephesians 1:4-8 TLB. Why? Simply “because He wanted to” do so, if you will accept and receive His grace.
“Where sin abounded, grace abounded much more . . what shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not!” Romans 5:20-6:2 NKJV. Grace is not God’s permission to continuing sinning; grace offers liberty from sin, not license to sin. Grace is God’s power to live free of sin and its compulsions. No wonder they call grace amazing; grace is for people tired of working for something God has already given them.
“For the grace of God that brings salvation . . teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and Godly in the present age . . Christ, who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” Titus 2:11-12 NKJV. Grace is redemptive, but also enabling. The old hymn said it well, “Be of sin the double cure; save from sin and make me pure.” Grace is not from good works; good works are the fruit of grace.
My prayer for you today is that you trust and rest in His fullness of grace.