Grace is one of the most controversial subjects in Christianity. It is a subject that was meant to solidify our faith but it is now dividing the church. The devil is fast exploiting this division in the interpretation of Grace among Christians.
Romans 5:18-21
Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one, the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover, the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so, might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
Grace has been defined by many as God's riches at Christ expense. This definition is quite correct but the problem comes in the interpretation of the riches of God that is released.
As I sought the Lord in my study, God opened up this description to me.
Grace is a new order produced by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the power that was released after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The power brought atonement, redemption, Justification and empowerment.
Atonement
Atonement refers to the reconciliation of God and humankind, especially as accomplished through the life, suffering, and death of Christ. Grace brought atonement from sin without the killing of goat, calf or dove. The blood that was shed became everlasting blood for atonement.
Romans 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
Hebrews 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
Redemption
Redemption refers to the deliverance of Christians from sin (power of sin). It assumes an important position in salvation because the transgressions in question form part of a great system against which human power is helpless.
Hebrews 9:15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ released this grace of redemption.
Justification
Justification is the act of declaring a person right or righteous. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ brought Justification for all men that will accept Jesus Christ as Lord and personal saviour. Justification is, therefore, a function of grace not of work.
Romans 5:18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one, the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
Romans 4:25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
Empowerment
Empowerment means the release of power, in this case it is the release of power to be a Christian or be an effective Christian. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ brought empowerment upon all men that will accept him as Lord and personal saviour to stand as a Christian in this present world where we are as sheep among wolves and to be effective in our responsibilities as a Christian.
I Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain, but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Let us not misconstrued Grace as a license to do anything we like as a superhuman (Christian) but with grace is more responsibility for our salvation. I leave you with this scripture:
Titus 2:11- For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
God bless you.
コメント