Grace

I have been thinking a lot this week about the state of my soul and grace and a thought occurred to me this morning that I wanted to share.

Hebrews 13:9 says, "Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace..."

So often we think of grace as connected to our salvation, that thing that God gives us to save us. I think we often miss the fact that it also strengthens us. As I struggle with sin and holiness issues I usually rely on my strength or the impact of other people and their influence to strengthen me. I look to external things for the resolve to live to the glory of God. But as Hebrews says, I haven't really been benefited by those things. I've realized that this week and have been wondering how grace can help me not only be saved but grow in my salvation. I've at least realized this, that is its purpose, i.e. to help me grow in my salvation.

So what do I do now? Well, I engage God in prayer to have grace, which is greater than all my sins, strengthen me to live like a man whose been saved by grace.

I'm sure there is more, but I'll discover it in God's word as he reveals it to me. For now it's just good to know that God thought about sanctification as much as he thought about salvation when he planned all this before he made it.

Praise His Name!