"For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." - I Corinthians 15:9, 10
Don't hurry through these two verses. Consider the Apostle Paul's testimony and message to us. We know wallowing in unworthiness makes us focus on ourself, and essentially not much use to anyone or anything, including myself. Unworthiness should never be confused with humility. True humility will find the grace of God extended to all, each of us in our unrighteousness. It's at His throne of grace, face to face, where there is mercy and forgiveness.
"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb. 4:16).
As we apply these gifts to our past, we find grace renews us for a present future, now in Him. Paul "labored more abundantly than they all" by that grace. He gave an account that God's grace towards him was not wasted or in vain. Have I frivolously wasted God's grace so freely extended to me? That I might do all the good works He has prepared for me to walk in?
I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain. - Galatians 2:21
Paul states to us here that the purpose of Christ's death was to bring about righteousness for mankind. This right standing with God is acquired and maintained through grace, an ability to receive that which is freely given yet undeserved. I have a mental picture from this scripture of God's grace being right smack-dab in front of me – in my face. I can't move ahead without grace. I would have to pick up and "set aside" this beautiful gift. It's the only means I have to stand before Him, let alone walk with Him or do His will. Yet, do I feel for some ridiculous reason I'm unable to receive, I don't need, or want His grace? If so, my righteousness will no longer be from Christ, but my own strength and ability to do and be good – performing the law. God forbid. History has proven it to be an impossible feat ending in utter defeat. Let not Christ have died in vain for me!
Face it, our whole walk in Christ, not just it's beginning, is only by God's grace. Amen?! However, we feel beyond horrible when we sin after being washed clean by His blood and saved by His grace. How could we possibly ever sin again? And now we're too ashamed to face Him. Maybe that's why we naturally resort to the law when we do. We feel rotten, so we're more comfortable with what in itself is hopeless and lifeless. We tell ourselves, it's just till we somehow fix what we broke and get back to where we blissfully were. But, that's crazy thinking! We must face up to God at His throne of grace to also restore that precious fellowship. It's the only way. Again: "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
We have a lifetime of need to receive His grace for everything and anything we face in life.
Only face to face do we find grace.
- Elese
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