Grace Rules the Humble

When the subject of Grace is discussed we should automatically think to ourselves “this is about humble people”. Jesus told us that the most exalted people in Heaven will be the ones that humbled themselves and became the servant of others. It’s a tough job because other people will sometimes crush you down. Thankfully, God said; I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts. Isaiah 57:15 (NLT) We notice here that repentance is connected with humility. When a person is truly repentant before God, humility will become a part of their life. Anyway, our Creator has decided to recreate us in His own righteous image. God’s plan is described the New Testament and we can even read it in a hotel room. For example the Bible says; Just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:21 (NLT) When “grace rules” in our life it means that righteousness is our new desire.

Every human is in need of a transformation by God. This only happens when grace comes into our life. Grace is defined in the Gospel as an unmerited new life, consisting of a relationship with God. He really wants people to love Him. Paul said; For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. 2 Tim 1:9 (NLT) The plan of God is completely centered on Christ but it is the Spirit living is us that enables our righteous life. The power of the Spirit is how God’s grace can rule in a human life today. Another verse stipulates that we give up all sin. The New Testament tells us; the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. Titus 2:11 (NLT) God’s grace will certainly be seen in our life when we conduct ourselves in righteousness and devotion.

It is difficult to believe that this fantastic, rich new life of faith comes from God at no cost to us. Unfortunately, human beings have a long history of wasting their time doing anything and everything trying to earn God’s favor. Even today, some people argue that because we live a godly life and tell others about Jesus, we are trying to pay for our entrance to heaven. This is totally wrong. Christians are so humble and grateful for their new life that they usually wish they had spent more of their life serving God. It’s about our attitude. A Christian can only honor God. We certainly have nothing to pay Him with… everything already belongs to Him! Paul said; anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 2 Cor 5:17-18 (NLT) It is true that a believer is expected to introduce people to our Savior but it is not considered work. We serve the Savior because of an overflow of thanks-giving.

Our partnership with Jesus Christ is the most wonderful aspect of Grace. Paul was thankful that he had a union with God’s son and he encourages us; I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. Through him, God has enriched your church in every way… for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Cor 1:4,9 (NLT) Grace is all about a relationship with God. The heart of this relationship is our union with the Savior. Jesus is advocating with the Father on our behalf to make our new life possible. We are described as the one body of Christ and we will go to meet God as one family unit. It is a spiritual mistake to think of ourselves individually. It is about our union but also our behavior. We usually say “grace” before we eat our meals. Actually we are saying “thanks” in the name of Jesus. And when we behave in some graceful manner it is really a reflection of the grace that God has put into our life. Our new life of grace is played out in us when we allow the Spirit to have control of our daily actions.

Before Jesus came to make God’s grace available no one was able to become right with God. People can now triumph over evil and have a wonderful relationship forever. The Bible says; But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. Romans 5:17 (NLT) It makes us wonder why people aren’t lined up in front of the Church waiting to join the family of God. Because the Gospel is empowered by the Spirit it has spread everywhere in the world. Paul said; This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace. Col 1:6 (NLT) Every verse talks about a changed life yet many people claim they have accepted grace BUT THEIR LIFE SHOWS that the Spirit is not leading their daily actions. Have we forgotten that God knows everything in our heart and that we cannot trick Him with our fancy talk?

There are also people who think a gracious God will not punish them with eternal fire. This is wishful thinking. Actually they are asking for mercy. Mercy is a feeling of compassion or pity. God has tons of compassion but He expects our life to belong to Him. However, someday He will put on the robe of Justice and call people to stand before Him. On that day God will act in perfect Justice. There are people who want to live by logic instead of faith who try to say that no one should be allowed into heaven if justice prevails. They don’t understand what grace is or what it can do in our life. God’s plan is centered on the fact that we actually become guiltless when we are joined with Jesus Christ as one being. No one can say that the value of the payment Jesus Christ made for us is not enough. The blood payment Christ made for sin has the power to make us completely innocent. We do not go to heaven as sinners. It is unreasonable to ignore Jesus, and live a self-centered life, then proclaim we are worthy of eternity with God. Justice is a very important part of God’s grace. The plan would not work at all if sinners were allowed to wander around in Heaven because of a feeling of compassion.

It is not a lot of fun to look at warning passages but we need to realize the gravity of life eternal if we miss out on the plan of grace. The small book of Jude says; I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. Jude 1:4 (NLT) We see here that the sinful life of a church member is actually a denial of the Savior. We are to live a holy life in order to prove to other people that a life in Jesus is REAL. Another passage says; Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Heb 12:14-15 (NLT) We all know people who call our worthy life “works”. Living a holy or godly life is not works. A holy life is the result of a wonderful RELATIONSHIP with God. Remember that Grace is “an unmerited new life consisting of a relationship with God”.

It is sad but we have another problem with people in the church who are living religiously. This means that they live by following rules and trying to make others follow the rules. A religious life is not a personal relationship with God. It is about having a bond with the law that gives us control. Look at this passage; For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s grace. But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive by faith the righteousness God has promised to us. Gal 5:4-5 (NLT) Please, seek God for a real relationship and give up trying to run His business for Him. Allowing the Spirit to control your life is the way to go. Just think how much worse the punishment will be for those who have trampled on the Son of God, and have treated the blood of the covenant, which made us holy, as if it were common and unholy, and have insulted and disdained the Holy Spirit who brings God’s grace to us. Heb 10:29 (NLT) We must live our righteous life the way God directs in order to receive the benefits of “the plan of Grace”.

The plan of grace is enormous and every Christian must learn about it if they want victory in their life. Remember that grace is not invisible and others are watching us. Paul saw grace in action when he watched Stephen die and its powerful image stayed with him all his life. If we expect to live with God someday it is imperative that we humbly accept what God has ordained for our life. We certainly do not need to waste time arguing over our opinions when we should be acting out God’s grace. Our soul must persevere (continue to believe) while God continues to renew us by illuminating and strengthening. In a committed believers life the Spirit is constantly fighting and winning over sin. This is why we are all invited to seek God’s help; So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy (compassion before judgment), and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Heb 4:16 (NLT) The Father, His Son and the Holy Spirit are all putting into effect the plan of Grace in us. They are raising us up to a new life. As we wait for our rapture may we learn to enjoy a life of grace.