I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness
come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. –Galatians 2:21
(KJV)
The grace of God is what distinguishes followers
of Jesus from those who either have rejected Christ or are trying to
save themselves. The typical way people attempt to earn salvation
is through trying to be good. Broad generalizations regarding
personal conduct are uttered in statements such as, “I am not such
a bad person.” People may also say, “I am a good person; I do not
steal, lie, I have never killed anyone, and I do not cheat on my taxes.”
All of this is admirable, yet practicing such high moral principles
will not bring about the grace of God. Only Jesus Christ can accomplish
this for us.
The key is recognizing that in Jesus Christ we are
set free from the burden of trying to save ourselves. The Word
of God teaches that none of us, no not one, is worthy of salvation.
However, God chose to redeem us through Christ, and this redemption
is a gift to all who believe on the Lord. Keeping God’s laws
and commandments to the letter in an attempt to earn salvation is not
only burdensome, but also impossible. The Pharisees of Jesus’
day made a valiant effort, yet they ended up developing a religious
system that was devoid of the love, peace, and joy of the Lord in their
lives. They ended up looking down their noses at all who failed
to live up to the holy standards they had created through a strict interpretation
of God’s Word.
The grace of God, which faith in Jesus Christ brings,
is all about joy and peace. We are free in Christ – not
free to be rebellious or to do anything we want, but rather we are free
to love, forgive others, have compassion, and to serve God as He has
called us to do. We are also free from the ultimate obligation
of trying to save ourselves through good works, something we will never
be able to accomplish. What a blessing to know that God loves
us so much that He took the initiative and made a way for us in Jesus
Christ. Like Paul the Apostle pointed out to the Galatians, we
frustrate the grace of God when we try to walk forward in a mindset
of earning our salvation. Such an attitude will hinder forward
spiritual growth and progress. However, the grace of God in Christ
liberates and empowers us to walk forward in vibrant, living faith.
Which will you choose; will it be law or grace?
The law, which is trying to save ourselves, shackles us. The grace
of God in Christ liberates us. Choose grace!
