God's Riches at Christ's Expense

 Happy Sunday!

"For it’s by God’s grace that you have been saved. You receive it through faith. It was not our plan or our effort. It is God’s gift, pure and simple. You didn’t earn it, not one of us did, so don’t go around bragging that you must have done something amazing."(Ephesians 2:8-9 Voice).

Grace is defined as, "unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration or sanctification"(Merriam-Webster).  I've also heard grace defined as, "God's Riches at Christ's Expense".   Either way grace is not something we are capable of earning or working for.  Our response is to accept what has been given, and enjoy the wondrous benefits.  I know I've mentioned how my students in Children's Church would gasp when I said that God doesn't send anyone to Hell. You may have also gasped, but it's true.  God gives every human being the opportunity to choose.  People will ultimately spend eternity in Hell because they refused to choose Life.  Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. Without me, no one can go to the Father."(John 14:6 CEV).

The Apostle Paul wrote, "Don’t you realize how patient he is being with you? Or don’t you care? Can’t you see that he has been waiting all this time without punishing you, to give you time to turn from your sin? His kindness is meant to lead you to repentance."(Romans 2:4 Living Bible).  Don't miss this!  God is kind and merciful.  He's giving everyone time to repent and choose life.  Hebrews 3:13 says, "But encourage each other every day, while you still have something called “today”.  Help each other so that none of you will be fooled by sin and become too hard to change."(Easy-to-Read Version).

What should our response be to these things?  Great question!  I'm so glad you asked.  Jesus said, "All of us must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent me, for there is little time left before the night falls and all work comes to an end."(John 9:4 Living Bible).  He also said, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven."(Matthew 5:16 AMPC).

Love and prayers, Cynthia