Steven A. Bush - May 1, 2022
Grace Without Effect is Like a Bounced Check
1 Peter 1:13-19 says: "Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” And if you call on Him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot." (ESV) Implicit in Peter's words is that grace rendered (with the promise of more grace to come) should indeed have an effect on our lives--internally and externally. When God's love comes flowing down to us, it renews our minds, transforms our hearts, revamps our speech, and redirects our hands and feet to Godly actions. Or at least it should. Charles Spurgeon said: "If He gives you the grace to make you believe, He will give you the grace to live a holy life afterward." The bottom line is this, not only is the grace that saved us amazing, so also is the grace that sustains and redeems and readies us for eternity. Thank You Jesus!