"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."
-Ephesians 2:4-5
Last weekend, at FCA's "Weekend of Champions," Pastor Nick Orduna spoke to almost 600 Nebraska high school students about God's amazing grace. He explained how God's grace is marked by His goodness, mercy and never-ending love for us, even though we deserve nothing but judgment and condemnation. How are we fortunate enough to receive God's grace?
Romans 3:23-24 says that we all have fallen short of God's glory, but only by God's grace through the redemption of Jesus Christ can we be saved. It is often easy for us to lose sight of how amazing God's grace really is. We take forgiveness and mercy for granted, and don't even realize the love that God shows through His grace. Can you fully grasp the true meaning of grace?
Take a moment to look at the sin in your life. Ask God for forgiveness and repent of that sin. Your sin will be washed away only by God's grace, which is His free gift for each one of us. We can't do anything to earn it. So, we must take that gift and embrace it. Then, by faith in Jesus, God's grace will fill our lives.
To quote the powerful song: "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like ME."
1. What is something in your life that you need to surrender to God?
2. Are there times when you need to accept God's grace and let go of the past?
3. Does your faith in Christ reflect the way you life your life, day in and day out?
Romans 11:6
1 Peter 1:13-16
2 Peter 3:18
