Grace Without Exception

Grace is one of the most difficult Godly concepts to not only comprehend, but also remember in our hearts when we are struggling.  I'm going to try to tackle it on a small scale!

Grace can be used in so many ways linguistically.  As a noun: elegance or beauty of form, manner, motion or action; favor or goodwill; mercy; a short prayer; consideration for others.  As a verb: to add elegance or beauty to...; to ornament or decorate.  As a Christian term:  the free and unmerited favor of God; the divine assistance and power given to us as part of our salvation.  

Let's look more closely at the grace that God bestows upon us.

Romans 11:6 "And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace."

     -Grace is offered freely to anyone and everyone by God.  There are no exceptions; no restrictions; no discrimination; no qualifications (works).  We have not earned this grace, nor do we deserve it.  But Christ paid the price for us; he died on the cross for us so that we would all be offered God's grace freely.

Ephesians 2:4-5 "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions -- it is by grace you have been saved."

     -God's grace has given us a chance!  We can ask, seek and knock.  We can repent and be saved.  We can declare that Jesus is Lord.  We can live as disciples and be fishers of men.  All by the grace of God.  Without God's grace, we would not have this opportunity.

Ephesians 3:1-13 "For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.  In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.  This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.  I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power.  Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.  His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.  In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.  I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory."

     -EVERYONE is given grace by God.  We are all heirs and members of one body of Christ.  When we accept God's grace, like the people of the first church did in Acts 2, we can be completely confident in our salvation; our redemption through the blood of Jesus Christ.  This was God's plan all along, which is heart wrenching and impossible to fathom all at once.  

God offers his grace freely to everyone, without exception, because he wants everyone to come to him and know the truth

1 Timothy 2:3-5 "This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.  For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus."

I absolutely love the new Natalie Grant single For All of Us.  Enjoy!

Oh grace without exception

How fortunate are we

That this love without measure

Is able to redeem

And without hesitation

Our sin is washed away

Unforgettable the moment

How glorious the day

Here at the cross

Your death, the price

Your agony means life

For all of us

You did it for all of us

Here at the cross

It’s finally done

Your victory is won

For all of us

You did it for all of us

The mystery of the ages

Unfolded on a hill

With the ringing of a hammer

Hope is now revealed

The very king of heaven

Comes a spotless Lamb

Holding all our guilt and shame

In His outstretched hands

Here at the cross

Your death, the price

Your agony means life

For all of us

You did it for all of us

Here at the cross

It’s finally done

Your victory is won

For all of us

You did it for all of us

Hallelujah, hallelujah

Worthy is the Lamb

That was slain