The Graciousness of God

As we enter October, let us remember that 505 years ago in this month one person stood up and changed the face of the church. One person called for reforms within the church and that call spread throughout the western world and is still being heard today. On Oct. 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted a notice for a debate on 95 propositions saying, “Out of love for the truth and the desire to bring it to light, the following propositions will be discussed”. In this way the Reformation was started.

One of the central ideas of the Reformation is that salvation comes by grace alone, not by works.

During a British conference on comparative religions, experts from around the world debated what, if any, belief was unique to the Christian faith. They began eliminating possibilities. Incarnation? Other religions had different versions of gods appearing in human form. Resurrection? Again, other religions had accounts of return from death.

The debate went on for some time until C. S. Lewis wandered into the room. “What’s the rumpus about?” he asked, and heard in reply that his colleagues were discussing Christianity’s unique contribution among world religions. Lewis responded, “Oh, that’s easy. It’s grace.” After some discussion, the conferees had to agree.

The notion of God’s love coming to us free of charge, no strings attached, seems to go against every instinct of humanity. The Buddhist eightfold path, the Hindu doctrine of Karma, the Jewish covenant, and the Muslim code of law—each offers a way to earn approval. Only Christianity dares to make God’s love unconditional.

Today’s reading speaks of the greatness of God’s grace:

Psalm 103:8–12 NIV84

The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

David wrote this psalm as an expression of his faith and gratitude for God’s mercy. He refers back to God’s similar words to Moses when He renewed the covenant after the Israelites had sinned by making the golden calf.

Exodus 34:6 NIV84

And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness,

Attitudes toward God

Some deny there is a God – either explicitly or implicitly by simply ignoring Him

Some try to run or hide from God

Some people try to put on a good front - trying to appear better than they are. May even fool themselves, but you can’t fool God. Like the Israelites, we too have disobeyed and rebelled against God.

Some approach God in fear

The good news is that we, as believers in Jesus Christ, can approach God with confidence.

God’s attitude toward us

Compassionate – Because Jesus suffered in every way that we suffer, He is able to understand and empathize with us.

Gracious – God gives us undeserved blessings – forgiveness, cleansing,

Abounding in love – as high as the heavens are above the earth

For those who fear Him – reverence, awe. Giving God the honor and respect that He deserves.

God’s actions for us

Will not always accuse – won’t keep bring up our sins. Once confessed and repented of they are done with. We don’t have to keep feeling guilty but can let it go.

Does not hold a grudge – love keeps no record of wrongs

Does not treat us as our sins deserve – the wages of sin is death. Notice, this does not say that God disregards our sins and does nothing. Hebrews tells us that God disciplines those He loves.

Does not repay us according to our iniquities

Removes our transgressions from us

Sent Jesus Christ to make these possible. In His sacrifice Jesus suffered what we deserve, He took the payment for our sin.

Why is grace needed?

All people are sinners, hopelessly dead in sin and separated from God. Apart from grace no one would be saved. The only way that anyone can be saved is by the gracious act of God in giving them life and faith in Jesus Christ.

The believer who seeks to live the Christian life through self-effort is like the man who, in attempting to sail across the Atlantic Ocean, found his boat becalmed for days. Finally, frustrated by his lack of progress, he tried to make his stalled boat move by pushing against the mast. Through strenuous efforts, he succeeded in making the boat rock and so created a few small waves on the otherwise smooth sea. Seeing the waves and feeling the rocking of the boat, he assumed that he was making progress and so continued his efforts. Of course, although he exerted himself a great deal, he actually got nowhere.

So it is in the Christian life. The source of the Christian’s strength lies in God’s grace, not in exertions of will-power, or in efforts of discipline, or any other self-effort.

Our response to God

Repent and confess – although we will never be perfect in this life, believers are to have a sincere desire to please God and do what is right. This is what sets Christians apart from unbelievers and allows God’s grace and mercy to be shown.

Joel 2:13 NIV84

Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.

Give thanks to the Lord

Accepting God’s grace – receive it, trust in it. F. B. Meyer said,

“the whole grace of God may be around your life today, but if you have not learned to take it in, it will do you no good.”

Be confident in approaching Him with faith

As we come to the table to celebrate the Lord’s supper, may we come with humility, acknowledging our sin and need for forgiveness, and then trusting in God’s grace. When we do this it lifts a great burden off our shoulders. Instead of trying to earn God’s acceptance and love by being perfect and constantly failing, we do the best we can and seek God’s mercy for when we fall short.

This is why celebrating communion together is so important. It reminds us of the depth of God’s love, of the sacrifice Jesus made, and our need for grace. Here we have an opportunity to confess and be given a fresh start.