Recognize Its Greatness!

What would our life be like if God stopped being gracious? I posed that question to our Sunday morning adult class yesterday and among the responses were the following: Hopeless. Without good. Wouldn't be here. Despair. No forgiveness. Dead. Separated from God. Under God's wrath. Etc. Along with these I would add that we would be filled with regret since there would be no forgiveness for past sins.

In Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus he encouraged. . .
"(4) But GOD, BEING RICH IN MERCY, because of the GREAT LOVE with which he loved us, (5) even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ -- BY GRACE YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED" ( Ephesians 2:4-5 ESV)

GOD'S GRACE is truly a wonderful "gift." ( Ephesians 2:8) Without HIS GRACE we could not be saved. If what we gain by grace could be earned, "grace would no longer be grace." ( Romans 11:6 ESV) The provision of GOD'S GRACE was put into play in spite of the fact we did not deserve it. Again, that is why it is GRACE; "unmerited favor" or as the acrostic states "God's Riches At Christ's Expense"!

There are many who do not recognize how gracious God has been. Not knowing their need for GOD'S GRACE, they are not appropriately responding to Him and His Will. Since sin separates us from God, without HIS gift of GRACE we would still be "children of wrath" ( Ephesians 2:3), "dead in our trespasses" ( Ephesians 2:5), "alienated" from God's people ( Ephesians 2:12), and also strangers to the promises of God, without hope, and without God. ( Ephesians 2:12) Yes, the first in the list above is right that we would be "hopeless".

Being without GOD'S GRACE would provide a very dark picture for life now and for eternity. Recognizing this should cause us to appreciate God's gift even more! Let us never take it for granted! Rather than having a dark outlook, because of the "immeasurable riches" of God's grace that has been provided in Christ Jesus ( Ephesians 2:7), we can have an enlightened life now -- encouraged and confident in the forgiveness and salvation we have been provided -- and look forward to an even brighter future to come. Praise God for such an extravagant gift as He has lovingly and mercifully given.

Have a great day FULLY APPRECIATING GOD'S GRACIOUSNESS TOWARD US!
Carl

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