Transformed By Grace
Grace is divine supply to the child of God. Every child of God stands by grace (Romans 5:2). We are justified by grace (Romans 3:24); we are instructed and trained in righteousness by grace (Titus 2:11-13); we are ultimately saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9); our hearts are established in God’s righteousness by grace (Hebrews 13: 9); we overcome sin and our carnal desires by grace (Romans 6:14); the nation of Israel are God’s elect by grace (Romans 11:5); we excel and are able to labor diligently by grace (1 Corinthians 15:10); and we receive His blessings and inheritance by grace (John 1:16).
Below are some reasons why genuine transformation of life is brought about through the work of grace:
God forgives in advance and in totality: “I, even, I am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake, and I will not remember your sins” (Isaiah 43:25). Forgiveness and acceptance by God of the born-again Christians is the crux of Christianity. Our debts are forgiven because Jesus paid the debts with His blood on the cross of Calvary. A realization and acceptance of this truth leads to some impartation of divine grace on the soul of a person. This same saving grace emboldens us to humbly walk with God, an experience which results in the transformation of our mind and destiny.
Rest in the love of God: Apostle Paul prayed for the church in Ephesus that they will have a revelation of the vastness of God’s love, and be filled with the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:17-19). A clear understanding and experience of God’s unconditional love never leaves the recipient the same. Though, at times, this divine love may be tough, it still has so much tenderness. “For He bruises, but He binds up” (Job 5:18). He breaks and molds, effecting transformation through His dealings.
Abide in Christ: The branches of a tree shoot out fruits effortless because they are connected to the nutrients flowing through the vine of the tree. Any branch that is detached eventually will die off because nothing is flowing into it anymore. As long as we are connected to the Vine, which is Jesus Christ, we will produce fruits that are consistent with the nature of the tree. As long as we continue to behold His glory with an unveiled face, we will be transformed into His image (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Christ is the Focus: “For while the law was given through Moses, grace (unearned, undeserved favor and spiritual blessing) and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). A proper focusing on Christ entails embracing His truth and grace. Embracing His truth alone makes us judgmental and unattractive to nonbelievers; while embracing His grace alone, without His truth, may make us anomic. However, when we embrace His truth and grace all together, we get transformed and become sweet aroma of His presence in this world.
Excel in Grace: Apostle Paul became the greatest apostle of all times because he maxed out the grace of God on his life. When grace is in operation, seemingly impossible things become achievable. To excel in grace means to be an overcomer in all circumstance through divine enablement (1 Corinthians 5:10). Those who excel in grace carry the mentality of grace all the time (Philippians 4:13). A grace-full Christian is an all season winner (1 Corinthians 15:57).
Conclusion: Transforming grace has to do with Jesus Christ. How is your relationship with Him? Receive fresh grace in this new month to run the race set before you. Have a blessed new month.!