Chapter 2 Stable Discipline Grace Today many are looking for deliverance. Freedom from their striving. Released from their self-works. The feelings of insecurity, frustration and fears. How do we start to find this grace? It must be first established in the heart of every believer, the security of his or her salvation, through the finished work of the cross. Even when we were dead (slain) by [our own] shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ; [He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him, for] it is by grace (His favor and mercy which you did not deserve) that you are saved delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation). He did this that He might clearly demonstrate through the ages to come the immeasurable (limitless, surpassing) riches of His free grace (His unmerited favor) in [His] kindness and goodness of heart toward us in Christ Jesus. For it is by free grace (God's unmerited favor) that you are saved delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God" Ephesians 2:5,7,8. Sadly many in the church are not secure with these truths. Many have falling into a, "just hang on" mentality. Living each day of their life with overwhelming insecurity. Simply afraid they might not make it. They are people who are hanging on the edge of a cliff. Never sure if they are going to hang. Never seemingly able to pull themselves up to the place of safety and security. In Him you also who have heard the Word of Truth, the glad tidings (Gospel) of your salvation, and have believed in and adhered to and relied on Him, were stamped with the seal of the long-promised Holy Spirit. That [Spirit] is the guarantee of our inheritance [the firstfruits, the pledge and foretaste, the down payment on our heritage], in anticipation of its full redemption and our acquiring [complete] possession of it--to the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1:13,14. As a pastor, I personally can testify to this fact. I meet and minister to these dear hearted soul often and have seen instant deliverance when security comes. My friend, Our salvation is stable because God is the one who guarantees it. Think about it for a moment. Do we not think that when God says it, we should believe it? Believe me that all the explosive power on this earth could never and never will crack or break God's security lock. Some teach God's salvation of grace as a fragile piece of crystal or fighting a hundred-pound fish with a five-pound fish line. The foundation of our salvation has been secured with a seal, established through the work of the cross and the shedding of the Son's blood. If our failures, shortcomings and sin can easily break this security lock of God, then please believe me that no one on this earth is going to heaven. All have fallen short of the glory of God. All our righteousness is as filthy rags. Thank God it is not our righteousness, our goodness, our perfection, or our works, but by the awesome power of His grace that saves me. But if it is by grace (His unmerited favor and graciousness), it is no longer conditioned on works or anything men have done. Otherwise, grace would no longer be grace [it would be meaningless]. Romans 11: 6. Dear friend, Jesus has done the job to secure our salvation. His blood guards the precious contents of the vault. You! His way of security makes the Brinks look like amateurs. Through grace we have been sealed with the guarantee of the promise. A seal of royalty. A guarantee of an inheritance. The only one in the entire universe who can break the seal is God, and for him to do that would mean he would have to doubt the work of His Son on the cross. And believe me he will not do that because he made the plan in the first place. Jesus has given us the opportunity and way to security. He opened the link to allow God's grace to flow uncompromised. God's love to be received and appreciated. His mercy to forever be expressed. That is grace! So if all this is true then why are we so insecure? Why do we have the hang on mentality that say, "come Lord Jesus come." The problem is simple, a lack of understanding of who God is. Concepts trained into our beliefs, environment, lifestyle through traditions, the list is never ending. Over time these all play a roll in the dictates of our security. In the end in order to truly understand his grace we must be secure in him! Knowing that God is not pouring out wrath but his love. In understanding God's grace, we are already blessed, accepted and made complete in Him. From here we can know walk in the life of good work, in righteousness and in holiness. Well, how do I do this? You may say I have tried every formal, I have tried sacrifice, and I tried church but it still not working. Sadly many Christian resumes read like the whose who in the, I am defeated category. I am sick, I am frustrated, and I am ready to quit. That's great, you are learning that its not by your might or some program or some sacrifice. It is by the Spirit. To many are trying to change the flesh, Sorry the flesh will always be the flesh and the flesh will never change. Only the inside can change and that comes by grace. Remember this that we are now spirit beings, regenerated into the likeness of the Son. That means that only the spirit can change our way of living in this world. I believe all believers can walk holy in this life once they recognize that they are already holy. |
The D Factor- Grace |
By Roxy J Nolin |
Word of Grace |
Copyright Roxy J Nolin 2003 |
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