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The Daily Word of Righteousness
Sowing and Reaping, #5
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; (Titus 2:11,12)
The central thrust of today's preaching is that we ought to try to please God by living righteously; but if we do not, grace steps in and covers our sins and carelessness. If we believe in the Lord Jesus we will go to Heaven when we die. If we have not been diligent, we may not receive as great a reward as someone who has served the Lord with their whole heart (some do not go even this far!) but basically we are "saved by grace," meaning that God sees us through Christ and will bring us to Heaven when we die.
The above concept of salvation is incorrect in both goal and program.
Is it any wonder the Christian churches are in moral chaos, and the secular governments, which depend on the Church for moral guidelines, along with them!
Perhaps if we will examine a few of the passages of the New Testament that include the word "grace" we will begin to gain a more accurate idea of what Divine grace actually is.
Does grace mean primarily that Christ suffered so I can neglect to live righteously and still enter the Kingdom of God? Let us see.
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. (Luke 2:40)
"Grace," as used above, seems to be speaking of the favor, the blessing of God, rather than the overlooking or forgiving of Jesus' conduct.
And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. (Acts 4:33)
Again, the idea seems to be that of God's blessing and favor rather than the overlooking of sin.
Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. (Acts 11:23)
Again, the favor and blessing of the Lord.
And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. (Acts 14:26)
Again, the favor and blessing of God. Notice that one could not balance a teaching on the necessity for righteous behavior by emphasizing the favor and blessing of God (grace), unless one was pointing out that the purpose of the favor and blessing is to enable us to do God's will. It never would be true that God's favor and blessing were being held out as an alternative to righteous behavior, an excuse for sin in the lives of the elect. It is obvious from the New Testament, as well as the Old, that the favor and blessing of God always accompany righteous and holy behavior. God will not favor and bless those who are living in sin and disobedience.
Already we have seen that grace is not always speaking of the overlooking or forgiving of our conduct.
In the final sense, Divine grace is the Presence of God through Christ.
To be continued.