Abundant Grace…How Sweet It Is!

TheGoodNewsVan.com

“Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.” John 1:16

Photo by OMAR SABRA on Unsplash

And the New Living Translation puts it this way: “From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.”

God is good, and He is good to each of us. “God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant.” Romans 5:12

The “Message” Bible translation makes it easy to understand! “You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the supple moves of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best. The sun to warm and the rain to nourish, to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty.

If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.”

‘Oh God, Our Father, draw us near to you. Give us a heart to love, forgive, turn the other cheek, and offer grace and forgiveness to others, just as you so graciously and generously do to us every moment of every day.’ Matthew 5:45

“Grace upon grace” means grace piled on top of grace or grace replacing grace.” God does not give grace once and then stop. He continually pours out fresh grace for every season of life. He provides grace for salvation, grace for growth, grace for suffering, and grace for daily living.

Thank you, LORD, for the grace You provide for yesterday’s wounds, today’s needs, and grace for tomorrow’s unknowns.

John 1:16 teaches that everything we need for spiritual life flows from Jesus, and God’s grace toward us is abundant, ongoing, and never exhausted.

The problem of sin is universal, but the provision for salvation, though sufficient for all, must be personally received.

“The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). A gift must be accepted. God offers forgiveness freely through the cross of Christ, but He never forces it upon anyone.

Jesus said, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” John 3:36. You must trust Christ with your life, heart, and eternity.

Salvation is not automatic, inherited, or earned. It does not come simply because God is loving, or because a person believes in being good, or because they attend church.

While not everyone is saved, anyone can be. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9.

Because we are recipients of grace, it should compel us to love, pray, and speak the truth with urgency and compassion to others, because eternity is at stake.

The good news is that salvation is available today, through Jesus Christ alone.

Blessings,

Van

Published in The Desert Review, Brawley, CA