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Home > Articles > Two Minute Meditations > "Don't Miss the Grace" |
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Im not sure Ill meet the criteria on the Day of Judgment. Many of the worlds religions make acceptance by its god the responsibility of the worshipper. If he or she works hard enough, is dedicated enough, does enough good works, then maybe that person can achieve his or her reward. If, however, that person doesnt do enough good works, too bad! Theyll have to try it all over again on a return trip through mortality or have to settle for something short of the ultimate reward. Goodness is something to be achieved, earned, and accomplished by had work, dedication, and personal sacrifice. So get with it and hope your god likes what it sees. At first glance, and to many popular observers of Christianity, the Christian faith isnt a lot different. This, however, is not the case at all. Jesus tells us we can be born again, this time into Gods family (John 3:3-7) . Once were born of God, we are Gods children and a glorious future awaits us (cf. 1 John 3:1-3). Were part of the Fathers eternal family, adopted at the cost of Jesus death on the Cross. Were not striving to get accepted by God; were already accepted because of the price Jesus paid! Were not working to be righteous; God declares us righteous by the atoning work of his Son on the Cross and by the power of his incredible resurrection (2 Corinthians 5:17, 21; Romans 4:25) . Our lives are motivated by the joy of being Gods children and our desire to reflect his character and grace. Is there really that big a difference between the two concepts? It sounds so much the same, what does it really matter? Yes! The difference is everything. It matters eternally. It is the difference between a suffocating and depressing driven faith, or a liberating and exhilarating empowered faith. Dont trust me, read Pauls letter to the Galatians!
On the other hand, Christians know that God has made them full heirs of heaven by his grace Romans 8:14-17) . Their passion is to be like their Father through the power of the Holy Spirit. They know that they have been accepted by God and made holy by the work of Jesus. They know they will never completely measure up to the perfection of their Father on their own. But, because they know they are already part of Gods family and that he has given them eternal life (cf. 1 John 5:13), theirs is a journey of joy. They can rejoice in the outcome of their faith as well as the progress God is making in them 1 Peter 1:8-9). They know that God is at work in them through his Spirit to make them more like Christ (cf. 2 Corinthians 3:18) . Their motivation is a heart of thanks because of the tremendous gift of salvation that God has given them. Their desire is to reflect Gods glory and his grace those around them. Their joy is to see others born into the Kingdom of God. I hope your hearts desire is to be the kind of person that God wants you to be. But please, open your eyes. If you are a child of God, a disciple of Jesus, God wants you to live with passionate and holy joy at being ransomed, redeemed, and saved by his grace. He doesnt want you worried whether or not youre going to get in, meet the criteria, or youve done enough to earn your way in. God asks you to be faithful to who he has made you and to be honest before him about your imperfections, trusting in Jesus to save and perfect you. Jesus has paid the ransom price to redeem us. Lets live like were redeemed, not like were afraid of where we stand! |
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Title: "Don't Miss the Grace" Author: Phil Ware Publication Date: March 12, 2001 |
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