The Grace of God

"And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, 13although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.  14And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.  15This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.  16However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.  17Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honour and glory forever and ever. Amen"     

                                                                         1 Timothy 1:12-17   NKJV

If ever a man received amazing grace from God, it was Saul of Tarsus. He was a very influential Pharisee who took his service in a dedicated manner. Saul had broken the Ten Commandments, speaking of blasphemy, persecution, all in a insolent manner. He had sought to put Christians to death because he felt that this new 'Sect' posed a threat to Judaism. He took delight in carrying out his evil plans and committing insolent, violent and outrageous acts. 

In Acts 9, we read of Saul's conversion on the Damascus Road. He was actually going to serve others with threat of death around this area when suddenly a powerful light shone all around him and he was blinded. Jesus, who by now was at the righthand of God in heaven, asked him why he was 'kicking against the goads'. (My paraphrase) This is a metaphor of an Ox kicking against a spiked stick (Goad) that doesn't wish to obey. Jesus knew that Saul wouldn't give in unless He took action. Therefore, Saul was blinded and was sent, 3 days later, to a disciple called Ananias, who even fearful of Saul's reputation, baptised him in the name of Jesus and Saul's sight was returned. He was also told to take the name of Paul from that day forth. From thereon, Paul's ministry took on another meaning.

It was not what Paul would do for the Lord but, what the Lord would do for him. It was total grace, something that Paul could never get over - Jesus not only saved him but also counted him faithful and so, appointed him to His service. Paul received mercy because he did all of his previous acts in his ignorance and unbelief. He had genuinely felt that he was doing God's work at the time.

Have you ever stopped and thought of your past, all of the things you did which you now know was against God's will. What happened when you met with Jesus, He forgave all of your sin and wrongdoings, they were nailed on His cross. Therefore, from that moment your sin of the past was taken away. Jesus knew this to be true and no doubt you did at the time. But occasionally we are tempted to believe that we are still guilty and under condemnation. This is why Paul and others wrote that your sins are in the past. Cast them aside and leave them there. They are holding you back. Jesus Christ forgave you and took your sin upon Himself. Yes, you will still sin daily because we live in the flesh, we haven't yet received our spiritual bodies. So it's a good ides to ask Jesus to forgive you for the sins that you may have committed daily. They are then forgiven instantly.

You know, God's grace is amazing - Amaing Grace - WE have Jesus walking with us and guarding us on a daily basis. Yes, we will make mistakes, He knows this. But He will forgive you when you confess, all the time. Now that's Grace!

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now

Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today. In Jesus' Name. Amen
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