Pardon and Power
by Chaplain Jim Robinson
Most errors in our understanding come from poor perspective or simple one-sidedness. We grasp one aspect of a truth and proclaim it as though it were the WHOLE truth. A biblical word, a biblical concept, that many times is perverted this way is the word GRACE.
I remember a tense and unpleasant time when some brothers, who have since left the church, charged me with being very legalistic and believing in "works righteousness" rather than in the grace of God. They said they came to this conclusion because: 1.) I worked so hard, and such long hours that obviously I wouldn't do this if I didn't believe I were earning my way into heaven. 2.) I preached mostly about following Jesus and serving Him, and didn't talk about the Grace of God.
I don't think they heard me when I did talk about the grace of God because they had allowed to solidify in their minds a one-sided, or very partial, view of what the grace of God is all about.
When New Testament writers used the term, they used it to describe the unearned love of God at work in Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit. A.M. Hunter says that, "Grace means primarily the free flowing love of God in Christ to sinners, and the operation of that love in the lives of Christians."
I seldom use acrostics but here is a good one someone else put together, from which we can learn:
God - the Source of Grace (I Peter 5:10) KJV
Redemption - the Purpose of Grace (Ephesians 1:6,7) KJV
Abundance - the Measure of Grace (II Corinthians 9:8) KJV
Christ - the Mediator of Grace (II Corinthians 8:9) KJV
Eternity - the Duration of Grace (Romans 5:20,21) KJV
This word GRACE is FULL of meaning! There are many biblical truths concerning grace. However, some do not grasp the full meaning of the word because they only see one facet. "Grace" is often defined as "the unmerited favor of God." It is as if salvation is all there is of grace, with no response or responsibility from us. But to stop--to limit the doctrine to our justification is to miss the complete thrust of the Gospel. God doesn't do a half-way job!
We are justified by God's grace so that we may be purified in grace, righteous living--good works, the abundant life.
Grace not only provides pardon; it also provides power for righteousness. God's grace is not just for a forgiven past, it is grace for a transformed present and future.
Paul's clear statement was this:
"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ‘No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good." Titus 2:11-14
Grace sought us,
Grace pursues--keeps after us,
Grace saved us,
Grace sanctifies us,
Grace purifies us to renounce ungodliness, worldly lusts,
Grace enables us to live soberly, righteously and godly,
Grace sustains us,
Grace preserves us,
Grace causes us to become "zealous of good works,"
Grace keeps us looking for that blessed hope and the appearing of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Jesus said, "Heaven and Earth shall pass away but My words shall not pass away." Matthew 24:35
Do you have pain? His grace is sufficient for you.
Do you have problems? His grace is sufficient for you.
Do you face temptation? His grace is sufficient for you.
Do you feel alone? His grace is sufficient for you.
Do you have a vision of the man or woman God wants you to be, but you despair and can't aspire? It doesn't matter what the problem(s), Jesus says, "My GRACE is sufficient for you." I Cor. 12:9
Hallelujah!