Day 128 "God's Grace Versus Our Works"

When one truly understands what it means to walk in God's grace, there is an innate sense of freedom and joy that resides within the Christian. No, it isn't present from the time of our physical birth, but it is present from the moment we are spiritual born in Christ.

God willingly placed his Spirit within us when we accepted Christ into our lives.

"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever-the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans."

John 14:16-18

"But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." John 14:26

"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth." John 16:13

"Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,"

1 Peter 1:8

There is an old hymn that is often sung in church: "Trust and Obey." I have reprinted the words just below. Please take a moment to read through the words.

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, What a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will, He abides with us still, And with all who will trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there's no other way To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies, But His smile quickly drives it away; Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear, Can abide while we trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there's no other way To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet. Or we'll walk by His side in the way. What He says we will do, where He sends we will go; Never fear, only trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there's no other way To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

And another song entitled: "Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus"

'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to take Him at His Word Just to rest upon His promise, Just to know, "Thus saith the Lord!"

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I've proved Him o'er and o'er Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! Oh, for grace to trust Him more!

I'm so glad I learned to trust Him, Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend And I know that He is with me, Will be with me to the end.

Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to trust His cleansing blood And in simple faith to plunge me 'Neath the healing, cleansing flood!

Yes, 'tis sweet to trust in Jesus, Just from sin and self to cease Just from Jesus simply taking Life and rest, and joy and peace.

I wish it were evident enough that simply by reading these words that it would indicate and make clear to the reader the true essence of God's healing and marvelous grace. But, unfortunately, the words get twisted in our performance and "work-out-our-salvation" mentality and what gets understood between the lines is our need to obey God by being obedient. Obedience is a requirement and a fundamental duty when in a relationship with God. No wonder so many Christians are living out their lives in frustration. You work hard all day long trying to please the people at work and then you return home from work only to realize that we you are still on the hook to seek to please God, too! God never intended for us to have that type of relationship with him and live life with an underlying fear of not pleasing God or living up to his expectations.

Fundamentally, God's grace is a gift. You didn't earn it or deserve it.

"For it is by grace you have been saved through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that on one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9

And there continues to be worry and concern on our part over trying to become holy and living out our lives in righteousness before a holy and righteous God. But, if we have already been made holy through Christ, our emphasis is and continue to be placed in the wrong area. Our freedom and joy come into being when we fully understand that God already did for us what we continue to strive to do.

"He set aside the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." Hebrews 10:10

As a child of God, we don't succumb to obedience out of fear and striving to become something. We come into obedience because we have been led by love to understand that God's ways are the best ways for us, that a loving Father would not lead us where it is not best for us to go. That is trust! And the more we understand God's love for us, the more we are willing to trust Him in the choices we make with our lives. Love breeds trust. Trust breathes obedience. It may seem to you like I am splitting hairs, but there is a huge chasm that separates the two- the heart of the motivation. On one hand, we are seeking to obtain or acquire something by what we do. Whereas, on the other hand, we do something because we have already been given something. Look at the following verses:

"Jesus replied,' If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching.'" John 14:23

The "works" mentality says that we need to work out our relationship with Christ through obedience to his teachings. However,

"He who does not love me will not obey my teachings." John 14:24

The "grace" mentality reveals that it is only by our love for God that we would be able to keep his commandments. It is not works and obedience that produces love. But it is love which leads to trust and obedience.

Therefore, the more we understand God's love for us, the more we can trust him in freedom and joy.

"Therefore there is now no condemnation for those in Christ." Romans 8:1

"Perfect love (God's) casts out all fear." 1 John 4:18

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"For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver and or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect." 1 Peter 1:18-19

How will you act knowing that Jesus has set you free by the sacrifice of his life? As a slave or as a child of God, an heir? Your answer will determine your peace and joy.

Even Jesus was motivated by love.

"but the world must learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me." John 14:31

Love breeds trust!

In his love, see you again tomorrow...

"Carpe Momentum in Love" (Seize the moment in love)