By Edward Thal
In his introduction to the Ephesians, Paul wishes “Grace” to them. What does he mean?
If you have ever felt bad about something you’ve done, you know you’re a sinner. And, if you’re honest with yourself, you will know that you’re a repeat offender! The fact is, we’re all sinners and sinners are hopeless repeat offenders. It’s the human condition, even though in the court of public opinion you may be considered a very nice person.
One way to deal with this problem is to deny the existence of sin and to declare that we can only ever be guilty of feeling guilty, which is not a good thing and we should get over it! This is a neat modern solution that seems to satisfy more and more people who are very good at keeping their heads firmly buried in the sands of self-delusion.
Following religion is another way. Religion (pick any one, they’re all basically the same on this score) teaches that if we try really hard we can make ourselves eligible to receive mercy from whatever god we serve. That sounds pretty good until we realize that mercy is useless for us if we are chained to sin. We don’t need constant, temporary, excusing, we need permanent liberation!
Thankfully, Jesus Christ offers the better way. Through His life, death and resurrection He has the power to both forgive us and to set us free. Indeed, God’s Grace (that is, favor we don’t deserve) granted to us in Christ fully Liberates, Saves, Justifies and Sanctifies us.
That’s a whole lot more than mercy can do! And it doesn’t have to be earned, it is available to anyone who is willing to submit wholly to the God of all Grace and Power, accepting with gratitude His matchless gift.
“And of his fulness have we all received, and grace for [added to] grace, For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” (John 1:16-17”)