BUT,.GRACE

The Upward Look, by Jon Forrest
But, Grace!

During a British conference on comparative religions, experts from around the world debated what, if any, belief was unique to the Christian faith. They began eliminating possibilities. Incarnation? Other religions had different versions of gods appearing in human form. Resurrection? Again, other religions had accounts of return from death.

The debate went on for some time until C. S. Lewis wandered into the room. “What’s the [commotion] about?” he asked, and heard in reply that his colleagues were discussing Christianity’s unique contribution among world religions. Lewis responded, “Oh, that’s easy. It’s grace.”

In Ephesians 2, it begins by telling us that in the past we were sinners condemned to death. In Verse 4 it says, “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”
 
“BUT GOD” is all about GRACE! People often cry out for justice. But the truth is justice is the last thing we want for ourselves. Justice brings us condemnation because of sin. What we really desire is GRACE!

Religion is often perceived as “man’s search for God.” But I ask, “Why would you want to find God? And if you did find him, what would you do with God?” For us to find God would be too traumatic because we are not anywhere near worthy. His fierce anger would be overwhelming.

But Christianity is about God’s search for mankind. He sent his Son in human flesh to reach out and connect with us. And when he did, he offered love, mercy, grace and LIFE to all who would receive him. In order to make the offer of such blessing free of charge, he had to take our place by sacrificing his own life.


Sunday’s message from our series, BUT, GOD! Is titled, “DEAD, BUT ALIVE!”  Could you use new life? Do you know someone who needs to be restored to life? Come and bring them to hear about how they can be “DEAD, BUT ALVE!

Living by grace,
Jon