Giving Grace to the last moment
A Few Words on God’s Gift of Grace
God gives Grace as a beautiful gift, including more time with God, life itself, love, happiness, a child’s laughter, peace, even some adversity, anything that leads you closer to God. God’s gift of Grace shows His love for you.
God, through Jesus Christ, saves millions of people from damnation and offers salvation and eternal life through Grace. A person can’t earn this by “works.” Grace is given freely to those who believe and are truly repentant of their sin. Consider the verse “… all have fallen short of the glory of God” and the one that states that “none comes to Father except through Me.” Only through Grace offered by Jesus can we enter into Heaven.
Job’s Test
Job was a successful man in his day; Godly, wealthy, blessed with a large family, as the Bible says, “blameless“ in God’s eyes. He was a prime example of a recipient of Grace. God lifted Grace from Job as an example to Satan that a person’s heart that is loyal to God, regardless of adversity, is still worthy of salvation and Grace.
God allowed Satan to attack Job. Satan was convinced that Job would curse God if calamity fell on him and his family. Although Job was shaken, he never lost his faith in God. He questioned God but never denounced and cursed Him. Job was repentant of his attitude after God spoke to Job in a whirlwind, but he always stayed faithful.
Never Give Up
God restored all that Job lost during this trial, including the gift of Grace. There are a few points about Grace and Job’s behavior. Job never gave up on God, and when God pointed out Job’s flawed attitude during his trial, Job repented and reaffirmed God’s omnipotence.
…for Grace to Work
Repentance is required for Grace to work. I have met so many people who are convinced that God’s Grace is their get out of jail free card. They feel like…” I am a Christian, therefore, I can…”
-Silently look at other people with lust.
-I can hide income from the IRS and cheat the government.
-I’m lying to protect your feelings, not to do you harm in some way. (but does anyway)
-In this day and time, God will certainly forgive me if I sleep with my girlfriend before marriage.
-I can lie about the quality of this house, a little bribe to the home inspector will be OK, no one will know.
Obedience to God’s Gift of Grace
The Apostle Paul in Romans 1:5 writes: “Through Him (Jesus) we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name…” Paul always connected grace and faith, not only to salvation but also to obedience. Grace gives the desire and the power to obey God, not the right and the safety to disobey.
Do you get my point? It states in Revelations that when you stand before Jesus and account for ALL you have done in your life you must answer. Rev 3:15-16 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of my mouth.” Jesus is God. God does not change with the times we do. He is the same in the beginning, now and in the future.
We are human. We make mistakes; Jesus lived among us in the flesh so we may relate to Him. Therefore sin will happen, either by poor judgment, lack of knowledge, or plain weakness. God the Son knows the difference between an honest mistake and willful disobedience. Jesus understands. He died on the cross to pay for our “human weakness.” God requires we accept Him and Jesus along with the Holy Spirit and do our best to obey His commandments.
Jesus is our Lord and Savior. Obedience is a sign of honor, love, and respect. Just the same as we would require from our children whom we love, Jesus requires the same of us.
Our Test
In the latter days, it is said our eyes will be blinded to the truth. I believe this is happening. Many people have said, “…oh it’s ok we have God’s Grace, Jesus has saved me”. Please, please, please, take a long hard look at what you do and examine your actions. Sincerely repent and ask for forgiveness. It may save your life as well as your soul. Redemption is by the Grace of Jesus Christ; it can’t be misused.