November 18, 2024

What gets you out of bed in the morning? What drives your daily decisions, priorities, and actions? In other words, what's your "why"?

For many, the answer might be family, relationships, career aspirations, or personal passions. But for those who have experienced the transformative power of God's grace, there's a deeper, more profound "why" that underpins everything else: the unmerited favor and love of God Himself.

The concept of grace is at the very heart of the Christian faith, yet it's often misunderstood or taken for granted. Far from being a mere theological concept, grace is the active, dynamic power of God at work in our lives, bringing salvation, transformation, and purpose.

Let's dive into the rich tapestry of grace and explore its many facets:

1. Incarnation: Grace appeared in human form when Jesus, the eternal Son of God, took on flesh and dwelt among us. This wasn't just a divine visitation; it was God stepping into our mess, bringing hope and redemption. Like a cosmic "show and tell," Jesus came to demonstrate God's love in action and proclaim the good news of the Kingdom.
2. Resurrection: The power of grace didn't end at the cross. Christ's resurrection is the foundation of our faith, proving His victory over sin and death. It gives us hope that we too can experience new life, both now and in eternity.
3. Reconciliation: Our sin creates a chasm between us and a holy God. But through Christ's sacrifice, we are reconciled to God. The bridge has been built; the way is open for us to return to right relationship with our Creator.
4. Sanctification: Grace doesn't just save us; it transforms us. The Holy Spirit works in us, using God's Word to shape us more and more into the image of Christ. It's a lifelong process, but one fueled by grace at every step.
5. Glorification: One day, our salvation will be complete. We'll receive new, glorified bodies free from the presence of sin, perfectly aligned with God's Spirit. This is our "blessed hope" – not something we work for, but something we eagerly await.
6. Substitutionary Atonement: At the core of grace is the astounding truth that Jesus took our place. He bore the punishment we deserved, satisfying God's justice and extending mercy to us. This wasn't God's angry reaction to our sin, but His settled plan from eternity past to rescue us.
7. Redemption: Like slaves purchased and set free, we have been bought with a price – the precious blood of Christ. No longer bound by sin, we're liberated to live for God.
8. Justification: Through faith in Christ, we are declared "not guilty" in God's courtroom. Our slate is wiped clean, and we stand before God as if we had never sinned. It's not that God overlooks our sin; rather, He sees us clothed in Christ's perfect righteousness.
9. Purification: The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all unrighteousness. No matter how stained or dirty we feel, His grace makes us clean. Our past is under the blood, washed away completely
10. .Assurance: Because salvation is God's work from start to finish, we can have confidence in our standing with Him. It's not about our performance, but about His faithfulness. The Holy Spirit within us testifies that we are children of God.
11. Commission: Grace saves us from something, but it also saves us for something. We are now "eager to do good works," not to earn God's favor, but as a grateful response to what He's done. We're called to proclaim His excellencies to a world in desperate need of hope.

Reflecting on these truths should stir our hearts to wonder and worship. But it should also prompt us to examine our lives. Has the grace of God truly become our "why"? Is Jesus the driving force behind our daily choices and priorities?

If we're honest, many of us still live as if our salvation is incomplete without our own efforts. We strive and strain, trying to earn what has already been freely given. Or perhaps we've swung to the other extreme, treating grace as a license for spiritual apathy or moral laxity.

True grace, however, instructs us to "deny ungodliness and worldly lusts" and to "live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age" (Titus 2:12). It doesn't just save us from hell in the future; it empowers us to live for Christ now.

So, how do we make grace our "why"? Here are a few practical steps:

1. Meditate daily on the gospel. Remind yourself of what Christ has done for you.
2. Practice gratitude. Regularly thank God for His undeserved kindness.
3. Extend grace to others. As you've been forgiven, forgive. As you've received mercy, show mercy.
4. Serve joyfully. Look for opportunities to do good works, not out of obligation, but as an overflow of God's love in you.
5. Share your story. Tell others about the difference grace has made in your life.

Remember, your salvation is not the end of the story – it's just the beginning. You've been saved by grace, through faith, for good works that God prepared in advance for you to do (Ephesians 2:8-10). Let that truth sink in and transform your "why."

As we go about our days, may we be ever mindful of the incredible grace that has been lavished upon us. May it fuel our worship, shape our character, and propel us into mission.
For in the end, it's not about where we're going, but who we're becoming. And by God's grace, we are becoming more like Christ every day.

So, what's your "why"? If it's anything less than the matchless grace of God in Christ Jesus, perhaps it's time for a heart realignment. Let grace be the bedrock of your identity, the source of your strength, and the wellspring of your purpose. For when grace becomes our "why," everything else falls into its proper place.