| | | | Grace Alone - Romans 11:5-6 Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work. Romans 11:6 (NLT)
In his case for the nation of Israel, the Apostle Paul notes that there is a "remnant according to the election of grace" of Jews who are saved. But this is not a remnant that kept the law, but rather a remnant that are saved by grace, and grace alone.
See guys, when we start adding our works and good deeds into the equation, then grace is no longer grace. If I were to have a generous moment and give you $100, that would be a gift of grace. But if I call you the next day and tell you "I gave you $100, so you need to come and cut my lawn," that $100 suddenly went from being grace to being wages.
What a blessing it is to understand that our standing before God is not improved by our actions, which is a good thing! See, if that were true, then it would also have to be true that our standing with God could be damaged by actions! Our righteous standing before God is not due to our powerful prayers, or our diligent devotions, or our wonderful worship - it is simply the grace of God extended to us through Jesus Christ.
And here's the cool thing: The gift of grace is not meant to be hoarded, but to be given away. If God has extended His endless grace to us, then we now have a full measure of grace that we can extend to others.
"Lord, help me walk in the grace you have given me today, and help me extend that grace to others."
Pastor Clay | | | | | | | |
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