2. Grace to deny ungodliness
By grace we are not defenseless against sin’s call. The same grace that saves can also teach, instructing us how to say “no” to worldly desires. True, there will be times when we stumble and fall into sin, but we are more than sinners in need of grace, we are saints lifted out of sin’s power. If we wait until we’ve sinned to call upon the grace of God, we’ve squandered the greater part of grace. Grace restores, but it also leads us on.
3. Grace to live godly
Not only does God’s grace instruct us to deny ungodly ways: it teaches us the how-to of life: how to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in this present age. God’s grace is about more than repair; it is also about preparation.
The scripture describes the Christian life as a journey from glory to glory. We are called to be conformed to the image of the Son. We need grace not because our sin is so great but also because our destiny is so grand. We are called children of God—and that is what we are!
How will the watching world see a demonstration of the grace of God? This is how the Kingdom of God comes to earth: through the lives of grace-filled believers.
The Kingdom glides in on wings of grace. The Kingdom brings righteousness, peace, and joy—and best of all the gracious Holy Spirit leads us to experience (and share) these three in everyday life. The Kingdom is never attained; it is received. How will we receive the grace of the Kingdom today?
Time and again the apostle Paul urged his friends to lift their vision higher and closer. There’s grace for salvation; there’s also grace for transformation. Grace helps us discover the source of all growth in Jesus, and the foundations of life with Christ.
God’s grace is the wellspring of spiritual formation, but too often we have shortened “Grace” to mean only forgiveness. Grace can bring more than forgiveness; it can bring change. Disciples use grace as the fuel for transformation.
We need a greater grace. Grace reminds us again of the wealth of heaven available to every student of Jesus.
This article on a greater grace originally appeared here, and is used by permissiopn.
