The Gospel of Grace

Wednesday June 16, 2021

The Gospel of Grace

Searching the Scriptures

I do not consider my life precious, provided that I fulfill with joy my course and the ministry that the Lord Jesus has entrusted to me: to announce the good news of the grace of God. Acts 20:24

Paul considers sharing the good news of God's grace a top priority. He is ready to pay with his own life, for this goal to be achieved.

A few years later, when he sees that believers in Galatia have strayed from this gospel, he tells them of his astonishment. In Galatians 1.6 he writes : "I am amazed that you are turning away so quickly from him who called you by the grace of Christ to another gospel."

So there is the gospel of grace and another gospel. Writing to Timothy, the apostle Paul indicates where this other gospel came from. We read this in 2 Timothy 4:3 : "For a time will come when men will not endure sound doctrine. On the contrary, being itchy to hear pleasant things, they will give themselves a host of teachers according to their own. desires."

The day will come, says Paul, when people will turn away from the gospel of grace, for they will want to hear good things. That day is already here, with the gospel of prosperity, material success, assured well-being... This gospel turns its back on the foundation of the message of grace which rests on the preaching of the cross.

Yet the preaching of the cross reminds us of the central importance of the price paid for our salvation. Grace can only work if we recognize ourselves as sinners.

One day, a prince went to meet the prisoners in the largest prison in the kingdom. He asked everyone why he was there ? Some said it was because of such and such ; others that they suffered an injustice ; or for some, that it was a miscarriage of justice...

In the end, there was only one prisoner who took full responsibility by saying that he was guilty and that he deserved this sentence. So the prince ordered that this one culprit be separated from all these innocent people because he risked infecting them all.

He was taken from his cell and the prince said to him : "Since you admit your guilt, I will spare you." Grace is for those who, aware of their sins, consider with humility the price paid by Jesus on the cross.

The gospel of grace cannot be separated from the message of the cross. Paul realizes that preaching this gospel risks causing suffering ; but even though the gospel of the grace of God, based on the message of the cross, may engender contempt or rejection, Paul reminds us that nothing will keep him from that message.

Listen to the voice of God

Let's take the time to listen to what God means. Let God make you discover or rediscover the true gospel. Receive the Grace and love of the Father in your life.

Praying is simple. Talk to God as you would your closest friend. God loves you and He can hear everything. Here is an example of a prayer : "Lord, help me to remain firmly attached to this Gospel of grace based on the preaching of the cross, and excluding all personal merit."

Praise God

To praise God is to show Him our gratitude. Today, what are your subjects of recognition ? Take a moment to thank the Lord for this.

Act today

Now dig deeper into what you have received. What can you do to apply what God has told you ? Write down the concrete actions you can take.

Honor the Lord

Our route for the day comes to an end. Let us pray together to honor our God.

"Lord, even if the Gospel of grace may cause contempt or rejection, like the apostle Paul, help me to remain faithful to it so that nothing takes me away from this message which rests on the cross, foolishness for men but power of God for the salvation of whoever believes. Thine are the kingdom, the power and the glory forever. So be it !"

Paul Calzada

Source (The Thought of the Day)