Grace Is Amazing!

GRACE IS AMAZING!

Why is grace amazing? We won't note all there is to consider regarding grace, but consider these 4 points. Then I will share an illustration I received via e-mail.

[1] Grace is not cheap! It cost Jesus His life for our sins on the cross!
“(21) But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it -- (22) the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: (23) for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (24) and are JUSTIFIED BY HIS GRACE AS A GIFT, THROUGH THE REDEMPTION THAT IS IN CHRIST JESUS, (25) whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. (26) It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” ( Romans 3:21-26 ESV)

[2] Grace is not something we can buy or earn! If it was it would not be grace.
“(5) So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. (6) But if it is by grace, it is NO LONGER ON THE BASIS OF WORKS; OTHERWISE GRACE WOULD NO LONGER BE GRACE.” ( Romans 11:5-6 ESV)

[3] Grace does not take away our need for activity! God has prepared stuff for us to do!
“(8) For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, (9) not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (10) For we are his workmanship, CREATED in Christ Jesus FOR GOOD WORKS, WHICH GOD PREPARED BEFOREHAND, THAT WE SHOULD WALK IN THEM.” ( Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV)

[4] Grace is not insignificant! It is powerful enough to do what God intended it to do!
“(8) Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. (9) But he said to me, “MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR YOU, FOR MY POWER IS MADE PERFECT IN WEAKNESS.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” ( 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 ESV)

Maybe the following will help you keep it all in perspective. The original author is not known.

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+ THE LORD'S BASEBALL GAME +
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Bob was caught up in the spirit where he and the Lord stood by to observe a baseball game. The Lord's team was playing Satan's team. The Lord's team was at bat, the score was tied zero to zero, and it was the bottom of the 9th inning with two outs.

They continued to watch as a batter stepped up to the plate whose name was Love. Love swung at the first pitch and hit a single, because Love never fails.

The next batter was named Faith, who also got a single because Faith works with Love.

The next batter up was named Godly Wisdom. Satan wound up and threw the first pitch. Godly Wisdom looked it over and let it pass, because Godly Wisdom does not swing at Satan's pitches.

Ball one. Three more pitches and Godly Wisdom walked, because Godly wisdom never swings at Satan's throws.

The Lord looked at Bob and told him He was now going to bring in His star player. Up to the plate stepped Grace. Bob said he sure did not look like much.

Satan's whole team relaxed when they saw Grace. Thinking he had won the game, Satan wound up and fired his first pitch. To the shock of everyone, Grace hit the ball harder than anyone had ever seen. But Satan was not worried. His center fielder, the Prince of the air, let very few get by. The ball slammed into his glove, hit him on the head, and sent him crashing to the ground; then it continued over the fence for a home run.

The Lord's team won.

The Lord then asked Bob if he knew why Love, Faith, and Godly Wisdom could get on base but could not win the game. Bob answered that he did not know why.

The Lord explained: “If your love, faith and wisdom had won the game you would think you had done it by yourself. Love, faith and wisdom will get you on base, but only My grace can get you home. My grace is the one thing Satan cannot stop.”
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Powerful! Amazing Grace! Aren't you glad you're on God's team! He'll get you to home!

Have a great day HANGING IN THERE -- THE GAME’S NOT OVER!
Carl
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(original date of this focus was 05/29/1998, with passage changed to ESV)

See other teEn-MAIL on Grace