The gospel of Jesus Christ is our only hope for salvation. A gospel of Grace Alone founded upon God’s love. There are many who would want to add to that gospel, declaring that we must once more be subject to the very law which never had the power to save us. Our pride filled hearts wants to believe that we can of our own strength live a life of righteousness, presenting to God our good works as an example of our worthiness. Yet, if that were true; why would Jesus have died for our sins? As Christians, yes, we are to aspire to good works; but not by our own strength. We must grow in the Grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Then, and only then can we shine forth as beacons of hope to the world.
Because our salvation is through Grace alone, we earnestly desire to love Him more. That love with the guidance of the Holy Spirit that indwells us transforms our hearts to be more like Him, which is something we cannot due of our own strength and volition. As long as we think we can conquer sin of our own accord, we will fail desperately in our efforts. However, when we embrace the truth of the gospel, our own helplessness forces us to turn to Him to be our strength, our guide, our hope, and our resource to live the life He intended us to. Only when we let go of our own pride, clinging to Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord; can we begin to live out our true identity founded in Christ Jesus as Christians.
GRACE ALONE
Paul wrote a letter to the Galatians, proclaiming these truths. In his first missionary journey, he founded churches of believers in southern Galatia. And then on his second missionary journey, he founded churches in northern Galatia. There is some debate as to which of these churches, he wrote this letter; although, it does appear that the evidence is stronger that it was the churches in southern Galatia that this letter was written. Whichever church he initially wrote it to doesn’t really matter; because, it is alive and relevant today. He could just as well have written it to us. The early church in Galatia was bombarded by those who taught that salvation came by first fulfilling the law and only then, secondarily by believing in Jesus Christ. These false teachers were called Judaizers.
Yet, do we not see the same in many churches today? Those who proclaim that faith is not enough? As we begin this series on the book of Galatians, I hope to show you the truth. Our salvation and our strength to live this life as a Christian is based completely on Grace Alone, founded upon God’s love and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ on the Cross. This does not license the Christian to sin more; but, rather provides us the power of God to live.
My part in this journey begins by recognizing my own inability to live an exemplary life in my own strength. When I acknowledge the truth that nothing that my guilty hands can perform to make me righteous; then, I lean upon God’s strength to transform my heart and I trust His transforming work to complete the work He began in me. Whatever trials or pains I must face to be transformed, I trust in His unfailing Grace to accomplish it.
Ephesians 2:4-10
But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
God will transform our hearts and our life walk, through whatever means are necessary once we are in Christ Jesus. It all begins by first acknowledging our sinful heart, our inability to save ourselves, and accepting the gift of salvation by believing in Jesus Christ as our Savior. By Grace alone, we are saved.
A PRAYER FOR BELIEVERS
Our Father which art in heaven, we Thy children are often troubled in mind, hearing within us at once the affirmations of faith and the accusations of conscience. We are sure that there is in us nothing that could attract the love of One as holy and as just as Thou art. Yet Thou hast declared Thine unchanging love for us in Christ Jesus.
If nothing in us can win Thy love, nothing in the universe can prevent Thee from loving us. Thy love is uncaused and undeserved. Thou art Thyself the reason for the love wherewith we are loved. Help us to believe the intensity, the eternity of the love that has found us. Then love will cast out fear; and our troubled hearts will be at peace, trusting not in what we are but in what Thou hast declared Thyself to be. Amen.
A. W. Tozer (The Knowledge of the Holy, 104)
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.
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ABIDING, STEADFAST JOY
A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.
WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”
Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
CREDITS
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