Grace is a difficult concept for us to truly grasp because in this performance-based world we live in, to receive (or give) something totally undeserved and free is often thought unfair, impractical and even naive.
Our understanding of "gifts" (which is what grace really is) is limited to birthday or Christmas gifts.
But God says grace is His way. According to Eph 2:1-10;
Grace is a gift we ALL NEED.
No one deserves grace of God, but we cannot do without it. No saintly person is an exception to needing this grace of God by which we are saved. None deserve it, but all need it.
Grace is a gift we CANNOT EARN.
Grace earned is no grace. No amount of good works will earn us God's grace. Salvation by grace is God-given, God-driven, God-empowered, and God-originated.
Grace is a gift that GIVES US PURPOSE.
Only when we have truly realized this incredible gift we have in Christ can we find true purpose for our lives. Paul speaks of being "God's workmanship... to do good works." He mentions good works in same section with grace and when misunderstood, it could be a reason to pause and wonder if he is contradicting himself. But Paul is ultimately saying, without having understood and accepted the grace of God, no one can truly find purpose in God to do all that God desires to work and do in our lives.
We may wonder if having accepted this grace, wouldn't we be tempted to abuse it?
When a believer truly grasps this amazing grace of God, he will not and cannot abuse it.
Grace understood will result in a life of devotion and sanctification that is not forced or pretentious.
Are you resting in the grace of God or are you still living under guilt-ridden vain efforts to perform before your God to prove your worth to receive His love?
--from Nakwon EM May 27 Sunday Worship Service
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