Amazing Grace

One of my favourite words in the world is Grace!


This is the undeserved favour of God. It is a free gift from God, for which we gave (and can give) nothing in exchange. The great thing about gifts is that sometimes, we get gifts for people because we feel they deserve them. So, effectively, even though they are not paying for the gift, they are getting something nice in return for something nice they've done for us. God's gift however, is totally FREE and not because we've been nice or deserving.


We are saved when we accept this free gift of grace, as the Amplified Bible so aptly puts it 'For it is by free grace (God's unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God; Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law's demands], lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself.].' Ephesians 2 verses 8 to 9.


When I think abut this, it means, simply put, I don't deserve to be saved, delivered, healed or preserved...but I am. Wow! It's simply amazing to think that God has a store house filled with the gift of salvation and He gives it out freely to all, even though not all will accept it. All we have to give back to God, is our acceptance of His gift. This sounds somewhat paradoxical but it is the truth.


Why is it then, that I sometimes find myself wanting to work for this grace or to somehow pay God back for it? Sometimes, it feels like I have to do something to make God feel His favour has been given to someone who deserves it (me) and not the drug addict on the street, the serial killer in the news, the religious fanatics terrorising nations. Sometimes, I need to remind myself that I once was in the same place as these people - unrepentant and undeserving of grace. I have now been moved to a new place - repentant, saved and still undeserving of grace.


It seems innate in the human nature to want to give something in return or exchange for something we have received. As Christians, we need to constantly remind ourselves that we are who, where and what we are, only by the grace of God. Our prayer, Bible reading and other spiritual exercises do not save us or make us more deserving of God's grace, they help strengthen our relationship with God and build or faith in God. 


He has saved us (from sin and its consequences) and continues to keep us, by His favour, mercy and grace which is undeserved and can never be repaid.


May we continue to bask in His amazing grace.