Last time we talked about grace, we saw how it protected Noah. Little is known about this wonderful power of God. We saw it at work in Noah's life. His society was perverse, dangerous and tough, nevertheless, God had mercy on his servant.
Today, we are going to see more about the hidden power of grace and what it does. I like to call it hidden because there are some who do not understand its functions. Hard to believe, but there are those who believe that Salvation has to be worked out until the end. Legalistic doctrines have been made about God's gift. I am amazed that some will argue with me and say you can't know that you are saved until you die.I, respectfully, have to differ.
The word says that you know that you have eternal life. (I John 5:13) So, if we know that we have eternal life, we are saved---point blank! Eph 2:8-9 says that Salvation is a gift through grace not of works. Many will say, but what about the verse that says he that endured unto the end shall be saved? (Matt 24:13) Again, Matt 24:13 indicates works and that contradicts the gift of salvation. If you do a careful study of that chapter, that is talking about the Jews. (Matt 24:20)
When Jesus comes for his church, the dispensation of grace will cease and God will focus his attention to the Jews and the law. (Eph 3:2/Eph 1:10) Scriptures teaches us that in the last days, the sacrifices will be instituted again. That is why the dispensation of grace was called a mystery. Jesus spoke very little about it to his disciples and that mystery was revealed to Paul. He spoke consistently about the mystery, which was the Jews and Gentiles becoming one. (Rom 11:25/ Eph 1:10)
That is why we need to be careful how we interpret scripture. I believe that God is full of mercy and grace, but nevertheless, we can't let our guard down. Sin has consequences and there is a place where one's salvation can be lost but it is not as easy as one thinks it is. Think about this, Jesus made this clear---what is born of flesh is flesh and what is spirit is spirit. (John 3:6)
Here is an example in understanding the benefits of grace--Even though we disappointed our family, they did not cast us out. I did not stop being a Santos because of a shortcoming. True, when I was a minor, I was disciplined and corrected but still remained a part of the family. The same is true in the spirit. God is not waiting for us to mess up and hit us with a club to send us to hell. He gives us grace and mercy. At times, he even corrects us and it is not a pretty sight.
When you were part of a Jewish family, there were standards to be followed. If a son caused shame and grief on the family, the father would then tear part of his clothes and call his son dead. The same is with us---If after we mature and stray away, our heart will get hardened. There will, then, come a time when God will see us dead. We don't want to get there. The good news is that God will, always, leave a door open as with the example of the prodigal son. Another clear example of the benefits of grace.
So, my friend, take advantage of God's grace while there is still time. If you are wrestling with some issues (and who isn't ?), ask God to have mercy on you. Ask him to work within you a spirit of repentance. Confess that you love righteousness and hate iniquity. As you do so, you will begin to hate what he hates and loves what he loves.That indeed is the hidden power of grace. God bless.
But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. (Gen 6:8)
Greetings. In this day, we are studying about the power and benefits of grace. Generally, the majority of Christians understand grace as unmerited favor and it is, but in this study,we will see that it is more than that. The Bible says that there is nothing new under the sun. What we see happening in our lifetime is just history repeating itself.
How were the times in which Noah was living? If you read Gen 6:1-8 and Matt 24:37-39, you will get an idea of how rough it was. There were Giants in the land. These Giants were the result of fallen angels having sex with women. If you think Giants were the result of just Bible symbolism or fables, think again.
History has shown that Giants truly existed. There has been bones found of Giants that were more than 10 feet tall or bigger. They were admired at that time because of their superhuman strength. Think about it...Superman was not the only original superhero! They were, also, known to have a big appetite consuming large amounts of meats. To add to that, they were known to eat humans also. (Numbers 13:32).
Giants were intimidating and forced people into servitude. So this thing with Homosexuals forcing us to accept their lifestyle is nothing new. This is just history repeating itself. Plus, if you read Gen 6:1-8, you will find that every thought of man was evil continually.
They were into gluttony, getting drunk and giving into marriage. Divorces and homosexual marriages were abounding, so much so, that it grieved God. How did grace apply to Noah? God's grace protected him and his family from the influence of the culture. God's grace, also, protected him from hurt and harm. Somehow in all this, Noah did not stop seeking God and he found grace with him.
So, in this day, continue to seek God's face. As you do so, you will find grace and see it protect you and your family. Grace will, also, show you what is your calling as we will see tomorrow in our next devotional. God bless.
Greetings. In this day, we are studying about the power and benefits of grace. Generally, the majority of Christians understand grace as unmerited favor and it is, but in this study,we will see that it is more than that. The Bible says that there is nothing new under the sun. What we see happening in our lifetime is just history repeating itself.
How were the times in which Noah was living? If you read Gen 6:1-8 and Matt 24:37-39, you will get an idea of how rough it was. There were Giants in the land. These Giants were the result of fallen angels having sex with women. If you think Giants were the result of just Bible symbolism or fables, think again.
History has shown that Giants truly existed. There has been bones found of Giants that were more than 10 feet tall or bigger. They were admired at that time because of their superhuman strength. Think about it...Superman was not the only original superhero! They were, also, known to have a big appetite consuming large amounts of meats. To add to that, they were known to eat humans also. (Numbers 13:32).
Giants were intimidating and forced people into servitude. So this thing with Homosexuals forcing us to accept their lifestyle is nothing new. This is just history repeating itself. Plus, if you read Gen 6:1-8, you will find that every thought of man was evil continually.
They were into gluttony, getting drunk and giving into marriage. Divorces and homosexual marriages were abounding, so much so, that it grieved God. How did grace apply to Noah? God's grace protected him and his family from the influence of the culture. God's grace, also, protected him from hurt and harm. Somehow in all this, Noah did not stop seeking God and he found grace with him.
So, in this day, continue to seek God's face. As you do so, you will find grace and see it protect you and your family. Grace will, also, show you what is your calling as we will see tomorrow in our next devotional. God bless.
