How Jesus’s Grace Empowers Us to Change Our Life
No one can find salvation without Jesus’s grace. Through His grace, we access the eternal blessings that God offers us. This grace is not something we achieve or earn. Instead, it’s a beautiful gift bestowed upon us because of Christ’s profound love. Remember Ephesians 2:8-9. It emphasizes that we are saved by grace through faith. This verse reminds us of how generous and loving our God is! Embracing this gift can transform our lives and deepen our relationship with Him. How incredible is that? (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Yet, in James, we are told, “Faith without works is dead.” (James 2:20)
So, where do works come in?
Salvation is a profound concept that often leads to deep discussions about faith, grace, and obedience. It’s said that salvation can’t be earned through our actions or merely through our adherence to commandments. Instead, it’s through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ that we receive this incredible gift.
However, the question arises: if grace is truly a gift, why is obedience to God’s commandments still essential? This is where it gets interesting. Obedience reflects our response to the grace we’ve received. It’s about living out our faith and demonstrating our love for God through our actions. When we follow His commandments, we align our lives with His purpose and experience a deeper relationship with Him.
In a way, obedience isn’t a trade for grace. Instead, it’s a natural response to understanding and accepting that Jesus’s grace. It’s an expression of gratitude for the salvation already given to us. So, while we can’t buy salvation, our obedience can surely reflect the transformative impact of that gift in our lives.
What do you think?
The Parable of the Piano Lesson
John paid for piano lessons for his son, Danny. However, John expected something from Danny. The Father expected Danny to practice.
In his immaturity, Danny may see the practice as unnecessary. He might find it burdensome. This is because he can’t understand what his Father has in mind.
Why does John expect Danny to practice? Does the child’s practice repay the Father? No! Is his Father’s insistence that Danny practice a punishment? No!
His Father wants Danny to practice to fully take advantage of an opportunity. The Father delights in Danny’s joy in accomplishment.
If we perceive Christ’s expectation of obedience as a burden, it often stems from a lack of understanding. We may not fully grasp the incredible transformation that God envisions for us. Embracing His guidance opens the door to becoming our truest selves, filled with purpose and joy. Instead of seeing obedience as an obligation, we can view it as a pathway to a more fulfilling life. It reflects the beauty of who we are meant to be.
God wants us to practice because He wants us to become ‘new creatures in Christ.’ (2 Corinthians 5:17)
We obey God’s commandments because we love Him. We shed tears of gratitude for Jesus’s willingness to suffer and die so we can return to our Heavenly Father.
We must practice obedience to the commandments. Jesus proclaims: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” It is by practice that He refines and improves us.
Living the gospel isn’t just a set of beliefs. It’s a transformative way of life. This brings about the profound change Jesus desires for us. Embracing these teachings allows us to experience true growth, healing, and purpose. When we actively live by the principles of the gospel, we form a deeper relationship with God. We also deepen our connection with others.
Consider how the values of love, compassion, and forgiveness can reshape our actions and attitudes. It’s not simply about following rules. It’s about embodying a message of hope and redemption. This message can positively impact our lives and the lives of those around us.
By living the gospel, we invite the Holy Spirit to work within us, leading to genuine transformation. This isn’t just a change on the surface; it’s a deep, internal shift that aligns our hearts with Christ’s mission. When we commit to this journey, we enrich our own lives. We also contribute to the creation of a more loving and just world.
Take the leap of faith. Living the gospel could be the key to unlocking the mighty change within you—the change Jesus is calling for. Embrace it, and watch as your life—and the lives of others—transform in ways you never imagined.
Parable of The Milk Jug
I once read a story about a little girl. She wanted to carry the milk jug into the house all by herself.
As the girl struggled, her mother picked up the girl and the milk and carried both into the house. Once in the kitchen, the child proudly declared, “Look, Daddy, I carried the milk all by myself.” All the while, being held by her mother.
We can’t be the believers God wants us to become by ourselves. To boast otherwise is like a jockey saying he can win a race without a horse.
Our salvation rests solely on the boundless grace of Jesus. This truth is more than a doctrine; it’s the heartbeat of our faith. It illustrates the depth of His love for us and highlights the unearned gift we receive. This grace is transformative, offering us hope and renewal beyond our own efforts. Our faith becomes more vibrant when we truly grasp this reality, and our appreciation for His sacrifices deepens. Reflecting on this can profoundly influence how we live each day. How does recognizing this incredible grace inspire you to act?
The Enabling Power of Jesus’s Grace
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighted in his way. Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” (Psalms 37:23 – 24)
Moses, Jonah, and Gideon initially felt incapable of God’s task. We are not expected to be prophets. Yet, the quest to become wholehearted believers may feel just as daunting.
Sometimes, we think, how can Jesus love me when I am so unworthy and keep stumbling over the same obstacles? Jesus’s grace can help us navigate the minefields in our lives and get back up when we stumble. His light is not waiting at the end of the tunnel after we become worthy. His light encircles us to buoy us up here and now.
Isaiah tells us, “Hath thou not known. Hath, thou not heard that the everlasting God gives power to the faint. To them that have no might, he increaseth strength.”
Come as you are. The Lord will help you leave a better person. We should focus less on the obedience Jesus expects of us. It is more important to focus on the Lord’s purpose. His purpose is to develop a virtuous character within us.
Remember, Jesus does not love us because we are good. Jesus loves us because He is Good. We don’t need to earn His love because His genuine love for us already exists.
Works Unite Us With Jesus’s Grace
Just as Jesus obeyed the will of the Father, we must abide by the will of Jesus. The Lord expects us to practice by doing good works. Good works are an essential part of shaping our character.
In the sermon on the mount, Jesus gave us an admonition. He said, “To be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father in Heaven is ‘perfect.'” The word perfect can also be translated as ‘finished.’ So, how do we become perfect or finished?
We become fully finished by relying upon the merits of “the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2).
We cannot be the followers the Lord wants us to become by ourselves. We reach heaven through our union with Christ, two hearts knit together in love with the same goals and purposes. Hand in hand with Christ, we become worthy. We need Jesus’s grace to be saved.
In other words, we must practice obedience.
The Amazing Grace of Christ
We are expected to follow Jesus’ example. Our works are not required to satisfy justice—Jesus already did that. Our works are required because we love Jesus and strive to be like Him. If we want to be part of His kingdom, then we must be filled with love. His kingdom is filled with love.
Every day, He reaches out to us. He desires to heal us and replace the emptiness in our hearts with His divine love. Jesus wants to remove the darkness in our lives. He aims to fill it with the brilliant light of His everlasting glory. Jesus has the power to transform us.
We can use Jesus’s grace to become ‘new creatures in Christ.’
Christian Searcher
Read: How Christ’s Grace Changed Richard: My Maturing Views of Grace
