Grace: God's Instruction, Correction, Insistence, and Transformation
The grace of God is not a permission or justification for sin; rather, it serves a far deeper and more profound purpose in the life of the believer. Grace, in its true essence, is instructive, guiding us away from the paths of unrighteousness and toward a life that reflects God's holiness. "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age" (Titus 2:11-12, ESV).
Furthermore, grace is corrective. When we stumble and fall, it does not leave us in our fallen state. Instead, it lifts us up, corrects our course, and steers us back toward the right path. This correction is not punitive but restorative, meant to realign us with God's will and purpose for our lives. "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives" (Hebrews 12:5-6, ESV).
Grace is also insistent. It persistently calls us to repentance and a deeper relationship with God. It does not give up on us, even when we are prone to wander. It continually seeks us out, gently nudging us to return to the embrace of our loving Father. "Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?" (Romans 2:4, NIV).
Moreover, grace is transformative. It does not leave us as we are but works within us to change us from the inside out. By the power of the Holy Spirit, it renews our minds, softens our hearts, and molds our character to reflect the image of Christ. This transformation empowers us to live for the glory of God, not out of a sense of obligation but from a heart overflowing with gratitude and love. "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit" (2 Corinthians 3:18, NIV).
The grace of God seeks and empowers the sinner to know and live for the glory of God. It calls us into a relationship where we experience His love, mercy, and forgiveness, which compels us to live lives that honor Him. This grace is a gift that not only saves but also sanctifies, setting us apart for God's holy purposes. "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life" (Romans 6:22, ESV).
In essence, grace is a dynamic force in the believer's life. It is not static or passive but active and powerful, continually at work within us. It shapes our desires, influences our actions, and directs our steps. It enables us to overcome sin and live in a way that reflects the glory of God to the world around us. "For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose" (Philippians 2:13, NIV).
Therefore, understanding grace as merely a license to sin is a fundamental misunderstanding. True grace, as revealed in Scripture, leads to a transformed life that seeks to honor and glorify God in all things. It is a grace that is both a gift and a guide, drawing us ever closer to the heart of God and empowering us to live out our faith in tangible, meaningful ways. "What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?" (Romans 6:1-2, ESV).
Eduardo Mendes
Founder and President
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