GRACE (Part 1)
God's Definition: timeless favor; it is eternal and unconditional.
Ephesians 1:4-6
"For he chose us in him (Christ) before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will - to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves."
Dear Friends, allow me to paint a picture for you so that we may really understand and grasp the meaning of this HUGE word, grace.
Here's God before He made the heavens and the earth, before time even began, choosing to make the human race an image of Himself. He requires this race to be holy and blameless in His sight; this is the prerequisite of even being in His presence. God creates man (and woman) for His pleasure and will. He desires a sweet, loving and intimate relationship with each one (vs. 4).
So, God creates man and woman, the beginning of the human race. They live in this garden, unimaginably beautiful, innocently enjoying life, loving each other, and basking in an intimate relationship with their Creator. They are holy and blameless, literally taking walks around this glorious park with God. Can you imagine what that would be like? (Genesis 3:8)
God gives Adam and Eve one "must not" rule of the garden. He speaks to them of this rule and then tells them clearly what the consequences will be if they disobey. Sound familiar parents? (Genesis 2:17) (note in Gen 2:16 ... God does give them a positive before he gives a negative.)
However, they disobey and immediately feel ashamed, discover that they are uncovered and naked, actually make an attempt to hide from God, and consequently, then, are "booted" right out of the dreamy garden that every gardener would die for.
Oh! The sorrow that God must have felt...think about it parents.
Adam and Eve's future looks pretty grim and hopeless, because now they face the repercussions of their disobedience. Oh, and by the way, disobedience is sin! (Romans 5:19a)
SIN has now entered the human race.
Wouldn't you just like to take Eve (well, Adam too) by the shoulders and shake her saying, "WOMAN what were you thinking? You had it made!"
Well, anyway, the consequence of their disobedience is death. (Gen 2:17) The human race dies. You see, the moment they disobeyed they separated themselves from God; and this is the death that He is talking about - spiritual death. Remember the requirement to be in His presence: holy and blameless. They blew it, and the human race from then on has been in constant disarray and disobedience of God's ways. God does give us "rules" or ways to live by for our own good.
So now God has this separation issue to deal with. He loves His creation so very much that He longs and desires to be in sweet communion with us, but there is no possible way if we are sinful.
Ok, now comes the good part.
God shows forth a HUGH part of His character that our limited minds cannot comprehend, but can only accept and believe in faith. Displaying forth His never fading loving-kindness, He pours out His mercy and gives us GRACE in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:4-5). This is unconditional, this is forever, this is a gift.
Friends, I would like to end here and give you a challenge of some heavy thinking this week.
*First, I'd like for you to think of the worst thing you've done in your lifetime (by the way, any wrong done is ultimately disobedience...or sin...towards God).
*Second, imagine being handed a gift from the one you've offended. Whoa!!! Makes one kind of squirm doesn't it? It does me.
God has placed this study on my heart for y'all for a purpose, so let me pray for whomever comes across this post this week (God knows who you are ;o):
Oh God, I lift your creation up to You. I thank You for each one and ask that You would give them the Spirit of Wisdom so that they may know You better. God, open the eyes of the hearts that don't know You even yet so that they may see the Hope that they can have and claim through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Oh what blessings we have in knowing You, God. Touch their lives in a special way. In Jesus Name, Amen! (ref. Ephes 1:16-18)
Reflect on Lamentations 3:22-25
Enjoying My Kup...
Cindy
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