Grace

Church today was amazing.

The topic was the Gospel of grace… and how most of us never grasp the true meaning.

How we know the facts of Christian theology or principles, but fail to live with a revived heart.

How we claim to know God, but are falling apart because we do not recognize that the Gospel is more than just knowing the plan of salvation.

How we speak of grace, but live devoid of it.

How we replace true grace with rules and steps and principles and methods.

How the dichotomy that reigns in churches and homes and individuals is nothing like what God intended.

And how God does not ask us to do or to work or to strive. Because our striving can never get us close. Because our righteousness is like filthy rags. Because on our most glorious, righteous day and on our worst, most scarred and sin-filled day, it is only the blood of Christ that covers us. Because in God’s sight, one day is no better nor worse than the next.

Rather, Christ’s blood alone allows us to approach the throne of grace. Reconciliation has already occurred. Total acceptance is ours this very moment. There is no part that He looks at and merely ‘tolerates.’ Rather, every part of our being is fully accepted by Him, through the blood of Jesus. As the visiting pastor said this morning, “God not only loves you. He likes you.”

And recognizing that it is only, only, ONLY grace can allow us to live every day and every moment with revival in our hearts and grace on our lips.