MEMORISE:
For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came
by Jesus Christ. John 1:17
READ: Romans 3:20-25
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be
justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is
manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus
Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no
difference:
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption
that is in Christ Jesus:
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through
faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the
remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of
God;
MESSAGE
Grace is God’s character by which he shows Himself as
being compassionate, loving, merciful, accepting and
generous to all of mankind. God’s grace shield’s sinful
mankind from wrath, grants them forgiveness and bestows
on them His righteousness so that they can live and grow in
faith and obedience to Him. Grace and mercy are
particularly expressed through God’s covenant with His
chosen people and through Jesus Christ’s atoning death on
the cross. Throughout the Bible, the notion of grace is
abundantly present even where the word is not mentioned.
Whenever Jesus brought healing to the sick and deliverance
to the oppressed, divine grace was on display. The grace of
God is especially expressed through salvation from sin,
offered by Jesus to all mankind. Speaking about Jesus as
the embodiment of God’s grace, Titus 2:11 says,
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared
to all men,”
Jesus vividly explained the notion of grace through the
parables of the prodigal son and the tax collector who was
justified after praying for God’s mercy as a sinner (Luke
15:11-32, Luke 18:9-14). Grace is a core part of the
message of the Christian faith, and hence the message of
the gospel is repeatedly labeled the “gospel of the grace of
God” (Acts 14:3, Acts 20:24).
“And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with
faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” 1Timothy 1:14
It is important to note that divine grace is a gift of God, and
it is abundant enough to secure forgiveness and redemption
for anyone who is dead in sin, raising them up and making
them sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus
(Ephesians 2:5-6). This abundant grace also opens the
door of healing from all kinds of sickness, and it delivers
from captivity, oppression and all kinds of demonic powers.
Furthermore, it is able to break down the strongholds of the
devil and produce transformation in lives. It is equally
important to note that this abundant grace, though
underserved, is available for free! No one can ever meet the
requirements or fulfill the conditions necessary for
accessing the benefits that God’s grace gives. The least
you can do is to thank God for it. Ephesians 2:8-9 says,
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God:Not of works, lest any man
should boast.”
The saving grace of Jesus Christ is available to all human
beings without exception; do not reject or ignore it, but
rather accept it with thanksgiving and your life will never be
the same again. Amen!
ACTION POINT:
Thank God for the work His redeeming grace has done in
your life, recounting them to Him.
HYMN : WHAT CAN WASH AWAY MY SINS?
- What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
o Refrain:
Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus. - For my cleansing this I see,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
For my pardon this my plea,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus. - Nothing can for sin erase
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Naught of works, ‘tis all of grace,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus. - This is all my hope and peace,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
This is all my righteousness,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus