Live By Grace

We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus, but do we live by this grace as well? Yes, we know it’s by grace that we are saved, but to live by it is another. Jerry Bridges writes in his book, ‘Transforming Grace,’

“… most of us tend to base our personal relationship with God on our personal performance instead of on His grace. If we’ve performed well- whatever well is in our opinion- then we expect God to bless us. If we haven’t done so well, our expectations are reduced accordingly. In this sense, we live by works rather than by grace. We are saved by grace, but we are living by the “sweat” of our own performance.”

It’s important for us to know that our very best is never enough to earn God’s grace and our very worst is never bad enough to strip us of God’s grace. Grace is unearned and is given because of Jesus’ great sacrifice. Thus its meaning, unmerited favor. I have to admit that knowing what grace is, knowing that I am saved by grace, and living by grace everyday has often served to challenge my mentality in regards to my walk with God. The bottom line is that we were/are in need of the greatest rescuing ever known to man, and God came in grace to accomplish this great rescue, sealing the deal. Once we are His, we are His! Once we are covered in His grace, we are covered! If you find yourself in an up and down relationship with God and you are always guessing if you have done enough and wondering where you stand with Him, you have fallen into the trap, like so many of us do, of striving to live by the “sweat of your own performance” rather than in His grace. No matter where you find yourself today, the need for grace is always there. We are saved by grace and therefore, we must live by grace and rest in knowing that Jesus has paid it all for you and me!