Live by Grace

“You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? Even so Abraham BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS. Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham.” Galatians 3:1-7   

Take not of Bernard of Clairvaux’s summation of grace: “Grace begins all and grace ends all.” In the lives of too many believers, however, grace stops at salvation and then moves to the periphery. Grace, however, initiates our relationship with Christ, sustains it on earth, and consummates it in the heavenlies. Apart from God’s continuing manifestation of grace, the believer is destined for a bittersweet journey.

It is God’s grace that provides the constant indwelling ministry of the Holy Spirit to convict us of sin of which we do not know and to guide us where we know not. It is God’s grace that supplies the nourishing truths of Scripture, uniquely applying them to our personal needs. It is God’s grace that brings His goodness to us through the arrangement of encouraging circumstances and stimulating relationships.   

The Christian life is a never-ending expression of God’s grace. We must never resort to establishing a righteousness of our own but lean wholly on Jesus’ love and mercy. As the once stubborn and self-reliant Peter came to understand, we are to grow in grace (2 Pet. 3:18).

“Amazing love! How can it be that Thou, my God, shouldst die for me!” -Charles Wesley