#157 GRACE, FAITH AND LOVE 9-19-20
We are saved by grace. We stand by faith. We serve through love. The Christian life begins with what God has done for us and continues with what His grace produces in us. “For by grace you have been saved through faith” (Ephesians 2:8). Grace is not merely God overlooking sin. Grace is God doing for us what we could never do for ourselves.
GRACE THAT SAVES. “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us” (Ephesians 2:4), reached down to people who could not save themselves. “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men” (Titus 2:11). At the cross, justice was satisfied, mercy was extended, and redemption was accomplished. “In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7).
FAITH THAT STANDS. Saving grace produces a standing faith. Paul said, “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). Faith is not merely believing that God exists. Faith trusts God enough to keep walking when the road is difficult. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Storms will come. Questions will come. Temptations will come. But faith keeps its feet planted on the promises of God. “The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17).
LOVE THAT SERVES. Grace received becomes love expressed. “Through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13). Jesus did not merely tell us to love. He showed us how. “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” (1 John 3:16). Love gets involved. Love carries burdens. Love forgives. Love gives. “Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18).
Grace saves us. Faith steadies us. Love sends us.
And when grace has truly reached the heart, faith will have something worth standing for, and love will have someone worth serving.
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Lord, let Your grace save us, Your truth strengthen our faith, and Your love move us to serve others. Make our lives living evidence of what Christ has done. Amen.
BDD
