Thoroughly Understanding!

Someone has said, "If we do not understand the meaning of judgment, we will never come to understand the meaning of grace." [source: bulletin clipping] Do we fully understand the riches of God's GRACE or are we guilty of taking it for granted? Though we might not have verbalized it, have we ever felt that Jesus really did not need to die for us because we are really not so bad? Sin is sin! It is rebellion against God and separates us from Him! Therefore, we must remember that because of our sins what we truly deserve is the judgment and wrath of God. However, by the blood of Jesus we have been delivered from that wrath. ( Romans 5:9) Jesus experienced the death we deserve. It was for our sins He went to the cross. And because of Jesus we are also delivered from the wrath yet to come. ( 1 Thessalonians 1:10)

In Paul's first letter to Timothy he wrote. . .
"(14) and THE GRACE OF OUR LORD OVERFLOWED FOR ME with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. (15) The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save SINNERS, OF WHOM I AM THE FOREMOST. (16) But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life." ( 1 Timothy 1:14-16 ESV)

Paul clearly knew what he did not deserve. ( 1 Corinthians 15:9) He knew full well the judgment against him for his sins. He therefore had a great appreciation for the GRACE of God; a GRACE that was sufficient in his life. ( 2 Corinthians 12:9)

Acknowledging what we really deserve should cause us to truly appreciate the riches of God's GRACE. It is not deserved. It is not merited. It cannot be earned. If it could, GRACE would not be GRACE. ( Romans 11:6) May we continue to be aware of our great need for God's GRACE and live revealing our due appreciation for it!

Have a great day AWARE OF OUR NEED AND SINCERELY APPRECIATING GOD'S GIFT!
Carl

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