Pastor column: Grace-filled living is what God does in us
In the Bible, 2 Peter 1 says, “Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness” (vs. 2-3). God’s grace is more than salvation. It’s everything we need for life and godliness. Grace could be defined as “God's life, power and righteousness given to us by unmerited favor.” God’s grace works effective change in our hearts and lives. Grace gives us a new life. By grace we’re forgiven; it transforms our thinking, resulting in the renewal of our mind and heart. By grace we live the kind of life that God wants His children to experience.
God’s grace saves us according to Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” It is important to see here that by God's grace we have been saved. It’s not by works. God's gift of grace comes through the cross of Jesus, not our works. The cross makes it all possible.
God’s grace justifies us according to Romans 3:24, “being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.” Our justification is not something we receive because of good works but because of the payment Jesus paid for us at the cross when he suffered and died.
God’s grace sanctifies us according to 2 Thessalonians 2:13, “because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.” Indeed, not only are we in right standing with God, but also our right living depends on grace. Sanctification is the process of being set aside for the purposes of God.
God’s grace empowers us to service. Philippians 2:13 says, “for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” This means that whatever gifts and abilities God has given us by His grace, we are to use them for His glory. God's grace and blessings were not given simply for us to sit in church and feel good. Rather, they were given that we’d not only be blessed but also be a blessing.
In the light of all that has been said, it’s clear that we’re not to underestimate the importance of God's grace as far as our lives are concerned. Without grace we would be lost. Everything that we do outside of God's grace is worthless. Everything good that comes in us and through us is only by the grace of God. Grace saves us, justifies us, sanctifies us, and empowers us for His service. Grace-filled living is exercising the gifts that grace provides to spread the gospel of grace to a hurting and dying world.
Rev. J. Patrick Street is the lead pastor of Redeemer Church in Marion. He can be reached at coachpatstreet@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Do no underestimate the importance of God's grace
