GRACE: A GIFT AND CALLING

Grace is a term that is often used in religious contexts and is central to the Christian faith. It is a free gift from God, given to us through Jesus Christ, that allows us to be saved and made worthy in His presence, despite our imperfections and sin. The concept of grace is a fundamental belief for many believers and is a reminder of God's love and mercy towards us.

The Bible mentions grace several times, with some of the most notable references being in the books of Ephesians and Romans.

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is the gift of God - not from works, so that no one can boast.

                          -Ephesians 2:8-9

The Bible here emphasizes the point that grace is not something that we can earn or work for, but rather it is a gift that is freely given to us. Just as in Romans 5:17, which says, "For if by one man's offense, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ." Again we understand here that abundance of grace is available to us through Jesus Christ and we received the gift of righteousness as a result.

It is important to note that grace is not a license to sin or a reason to think that we can ignore or escape the consequences of our actions. Instead, we are called to live a life worthy of the grace that we have received. This means striving to live according to God's will and being grateful for the gift of grace. Now let me make something clear;

Paul writes in Philippians 3:14 saying, 

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

The truth of salvation being a free gift of grace through faith and the concept of pressing forward for the mark of the high calling in Christ are not conflicting, but rather complementary. Salvation is indeed a free gift of God's grace, given to us through faith in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." This means that we cannot earn our salvation through our own works or achievements, but rather it is freely given to us through faith in Jesus.

However, this does not mean that our faith is a passive one. The Bible teaches us to press forward, to strive towards the mark of the high calling in Christ, and to live a life that honors God. This is not about earning salvation, but rather about living out the faith that we have received and responding to God's grace in a meaningful way. By doing so, we demonstrate our gratitude for the gift of salvation and grow in our relationship with God.

In essence, salvation is a free gift, but it is also a call to action. We are saved by grace through faith, but we are also called to live a life worthy of that grace, to press forward towards the mark of the high calling in Christ, and to continually grow in our faith. These two concepts are not in conflict, but rather work together to help us live a life that brings glory to God and prepares for us our ultimate reward in heaven.

Furthermore, 1 Peter 4:10 says,

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

This verse reminds us that we are stewards of the grace that we have received and are called to use it to serve others instead of selfishly engaging in acts that are hurting to others. It is important to be mindful of our gifts and to use them to make a positive impact on the world, in accordance with God's will. This is a call to action for all of us to live our lives in a way that honors and glorifies God and to use the gifts that we have received for the good of others.

May you be humble enough to respond to God's grace with love and gratitude in Jesus name.

Go Fully Charged  🔋 

For Counselling and Prayers