Battle Creek Tabernacle Battle Creek MI : Grace

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Grace

The Bible tells us, "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men…” (Titus 2:11)

One of my favorite acronyms for grace says that G.R.A.C.E. is a Gift Received At Christ's Expense.

One thing I understand very clearly is that no matter what type of life any of us have lived—good, bad, or otherwise—there is absolutely nothing in me that deserves what Christ did and the gift He offers me through His death on the cross.

When a person works an eight-hour day and receives a fair day's pay for his time and work, that's a wage... He's earned it.

When a person competes with an opponent or in a group and receives a trophy for his performance, that's a prize... He's won it.

When a person receives appropriate recognition for his long service or high achievements, that's an award.... He's done something that merits it.

But when a person is not capable of earning a wage, can not win the prize, and does not deserve an award ‑- yet receives something anyway -‑ that's a gift... a gift given by the grace of God. It is unmerited favor, something God gives me that I haven't earned and don't deserve Something I receive because Christ paid the price and offers it to me as a gift. "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us..." (1 John 4:10). My salvation is unearned, and undeserved as well. That's what grace is all about.

Did you notice that the gift of salvation has been provided for all. God is not exclusive. He does not play favorites. His offer is not available to only a select few. God's grace and salvation are available to all.

But the gift was not given without a considerable cost! In fact when you really understand the cost of salvation, everything changes. Temptations begin to loose their power. Motives change. Pride disappears. You find yourself often kneeling at the Savior's feet.

I once read a story about a store owner who kept a nail in his cash register drawer just to constantly remind himself of the cost of his salvation. That might not be a bad idea!

Don't let this Easter season pass without pausing to consider the cost of your salvation. Stop and ponder what Christ has done for you! There are more reasons to thank Him than there are jelly beans on the store shelves. Take some time to tell Him thanks!

Pastor Bruce

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Eph. 2:8,9

Pastor Bruce Moore