March 31: UNDERSTANDING GRACE (part 1)

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Revelation 22:21

This closing, the Lord’s tender benediction to us, should cause each of us to ponder this thing called grace that the Lord wants to give us. The very word itself is associated with indescribable beauty and profound peace, an indication that it is too significant a matter to ignore. It is indeed worthy of investigation. The idea of grace is introduced in the sixth chapter of Genesis: Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD (6:8). The Hebrew verb translated found indicates that Noah had a genuine desire to connect with God. Grace was not something he just accidently stumbled upon. And regarding man in general: Every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually (v.5). This brought pain and grief to the heart of God (see v.6). Noah numbered himself with those around him, yet the sense of God’s grief over mankind was real to him, and he did not deny it. Pressing in on Noah was an obvious contrast between the world as it was, and the world as the Creator intended. We are told of a choice that he made: Noah walked with God (v.9). This grace that Noah found was even more than indescribable beauty and profound peace. It was a power borne of a love-relationship with God, Who had loved him first.

The word “grace” is frequently and lightly tossed around among Christians. It is cheapened when a professed follower of God pursues a course contrary to God’s will, saying to him- or herself, “I’m not under law; I’m under grace.” This popular theology is a dangerous presumption that law and grace are somehow mutually exclusive. God forbid! Though not directly stated, the idea paints God as a split personality. In truth, His law and His grace are woven together in love. Jesus went to the cross bearing the terrible weight of our sin, which is defined by the breaking of His law (1 John 3:4).

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is the empowerment to walk with God. Can two walk together unless they are agreed? (Amos 3:3) The Creator has given each of us the gift of free will. In keeping with the idea of freedom, we are free to exercise a determination to use it for His glory. My determination combined with the grace of the Lord equals victory over sin. It is our enemy who whispers, in a moment of crisis, “You don’t really have a choice.” Oh, but you do, beloved! But don’t wait to be backed into a corner before you decide what you will do; you will likely end up in a high-pressure debate with emissaries of Satan. Decide right now that, whatever situation arises, you will honor the Lord, walking in His revealed will. He is a Gentleman who respectfully honors your will. And when your will aligns with His, He will move heaven and earth to impart to you the power to carry it out. Look for God’s empowering grace and you will find it, just as Noah did! Also, as in the days of Noah:

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (see also Titus 1:16)

…to be continued