Grace So Amazing!!

I am currently reading a book by Charles R. Swindoll entitled “The Owner’s Manual for Christians: The Essential Guide for a God- Honoring Life. In the first chapter, he talks a great deal about grace. He says “If there is any singular truth that distinguishes Christianity from all other religions, all other systems of belief, it is grace. Furthermore, he considers grace to be the bedrock truth upon which all of Christian belief and practice stand.

In an effort to illustrate his point, he borrows a practical thought from the late Donald Grey Barnhouse’s book “Let Me Illustrate.” It is a story featuring Sir Edward C. Burne-Jones. It says:

“Sir Edward C. Burne-Jones, the prominent nineteenth century English artist, went to tea at the home of his daughter. As a special treat his young granddaughter was allowed to come to the table; she misbehaved, and her mother made her stand in the corner with her face to the wall. Sir Edward, a well-trained grandfather, did not interfere with his grandchild’s training, but the next morning he arrived at his daughter’s home with paints and palette. He went to the wall where the little girl had been forced to stand, and there he painted pictures – a kitten chasing its tail, lambs in a field, goldfish swimming. He decorated the walls on both sides of that corner with paintings for his granddaughter’s delight. If she had to stand in the corner again, at least she would have something to look at."

And so it is with our Lord. With debt of sin paid by Christ on our behalf, we will never suffer punishment. When we do things we should not, He may administer discipline, sometimes quite severely, but He never turns His back.... He doesn't send His child to hell! Neither do we fall from grace and get slammed behind the iron bars of the law. pp. 6

Thank God for His grace so amazing. I cannot count the numerous times God came to my rescue. Because He stooped down to save a wretch like me, I owe Him my life. It’s the very least I can do after all He’s done and continues to do.

The Doctrine of Total Depravity

Currently, we are studying Paul's letter to the church at Rome during our midweek Bible Study, which feature both a noon and night session each week. The church has and is being revived, refreshed and renewed, as we appreciate God's unmerited favor towards us regardless of ethnic, religious or social standing.

Our lesson today finds us in Romans 3, where Paul has already emphatically and eloquently presented God's prior indictment against all mankind, not to exclude Heathens 1:18-32; Hypocrites 2:1-16; or Hebrews 2:17-3:8. He concludes that all are under sin and our in need of saving. There is none righteous, no, not one; no one understands, seek for God and all have turned aside; 3:10-12a.

In my prayerful preparation to teach this lesson, I was reading James Montgomery Boice's treatment of this passage and it blessed me immeasurably. He says:

"The doctrine of total depravity is hard for the human race to accept, of course, for one of the results of our being sinners is that we tend to treat sin lightly. Most people are willing to admit that they are not perfect. It takes an extraordinary supply of arrogance for any mere human being to pretend that he or she has no flaws. Generally we do not do that. But this is far different from admitting that we are utterly depraved so far as our having any natural ability to please God is concerned. We are willing to admit that we are not perfect, but not that we are not righteous. We are willing to admit that there are things not known to us, but not that we are devoid of all spiritual understanding. We are willing to admit that we wander off the true path at times, but not that we are not even on the right path. Instead of admitting that we are running away from God, we pretend that we are seeking Him." James Montgomery Boice, Romans ; page 289

I could not have said it better. Thank God for His amazing grace. Keep us in your prayers.