grace of god Archives - Spiritual Gifts Today

Accepting the Grace of God. It is an overwhelming feeling when you realize, Jesus died not only for our sins but for the sin of the whole world. How awesome it is to know that our Salvation has been paid in full. What kind of person would do that for someone like me? I would give my life for my child or my family, but I am not sure I would give my life for a stranger. Ephesians 2:8-9 says "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Accepting the Grace of God There are two types of Christians. Those who believe that they are lost and must work for God's love and approval. They try to reach God through rituals and rules. They are often riddled with guilt and fearful of being lost. That is a horrible way to live. As a Christian in name only, this is how I felt before I met the Lord. I thought if my good deed outweighed my bad deed, that I could somehow get to heaven. I lived in torment, uncertain of my destiny. If I had only taken the time to read God's word, I would have known that I was saved through faith and not by works. Ephesians 2:8-9 says "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." The second type of Christian is one who knows stands on the Word of God. They are confident in God's love and understand there is nothing they can do the be separated from His love. When they fail, they repent accept the forgiving of the Lord and move forward. Which Christian do you think is more fulfilled and happier? God's Word will make you Free As an Episcopalian, I only saw Jesus suffering and sacrifice, but we failed to understand, His dead brought my eternal life. How great a burden to know that Jesus came into this world to suffer and died. What can I do for your Lord? How can I repay you? I can't repay such a sacrifice. It is easy to see how one can become religious to the extreme. Trying to do right and when failing, trying to do penance for one’s shortcomings. Trying to somehow earn God’s love and favor. When my sisters and I were small children, every Easter we would cry over the death of our Lord and his cruel sufferings. Someone forgot to tell us His death was not the end, but the beginning of eternal life for anyone who would accept it. This day is known as Resurrection Day! Isaiah 3:10 He became an offering for sin; cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. Isaiah’s words pierce my heart, “He was despised and rejected of men, and manor sorrows and acquainted with grief” Isaiah 3:3. There is nothing we can do but receive this favor. Undeserved Favor We have to receive the Grace of God, His undeserved favor. We do not deserve redemption, yet He has redeemed us. It was I, who should have hung on that tree, that day, it was you. But, by His grace, we are saved, not of ourselves, lest any man should boast. It is God’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes. So, I rejoice in the Grace of God, I am for lack of a better word, grateful for Jesus’ sacrifice. I no longer mourn His sacrifice as an unknowing child, but I rejoice in His resurrection! For it is in rising again, am I made alive. It is in His living, that gives me life eternal. As you study the Bible, over and over you will see His grace and love for us. Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the whole world. I praise God for His most wonderful gift of Jesus our Savior. If you are wounded, are you weighed down with the cares of this life, do you feel helpless and hopeless? Know that the Lord has made provision for your emotional, physical and spiritual healing by his grace. If you desire to experience true freedom, pray this prayer: "Father, I admit I am a sinner and am very sorry. Forgive me of my sins and was me in your blood. I believe that Jesus Christ died that I may have eternal life. Jesus, I invite you into my life and as you to be my Lord and Savior, and receive your salvation by faith."