Grace vs. Peace - Part 2
As I sit here this morning, the holiday season is coming to a close. The kids will be back in school and life will be back to what we would consider normal. Two weeks off of school and parents look at each other at some point during this time and jokingly state, "When does school start again?" This is usually in response to a time when quiet would be most welcomed in the midst of noise, arguing over who gets to sit where, and general chaos. I chuckle and wonder where does this conversation that has been going on in my head about grace and peace fit into all this?
The angel praised God in Luke 2:14, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." (NASB) God's desire is that peace reigns on earth. That can only happen when one's soul is rescued from sin by the grace that it is extended through Jesus, the Christ by believing and admitting that He is Lord and has risen from the dead. (Acts 16:31, Romans 10:9-10, John 3:16)
By all accounts, grace is something that is only given and extended by God. The most prominent extension of grace is salvation for which Jesus died on the cross, was buried, and three days later rose from the grave to seal the opportunity forever for all men to have access to the free gift of eternal life and a part in the forever family of God. It is through accepting God's grace that one can finally find peace in the heart, soul, mind and body (John 14:27).
So these two things are not against one another but part of a continuum that require each other for the other to be complete. However, we must realize that both parts are completed in and by God alone, not us. I believe that we have misconstrued these two words in our conversation and teaching within the walls of the church. We say things like, give them grace, extend them grace as if grace is something we can control, hand out or have any authority over in our lives. Christian vocabularies also exhort us to make peace, create a peaceful atmosphere in the room, etc. Again, this assumes that we are the ones that have the power to determine another's state of mind.
Grace is something that God does and has nothing to do with us, but toward humanity. We do not have the ability or authority to grant grace. Now, here is the interesting part...as a conduit of God's grace, we can extend peace to others. Do you see the difference? This is a paradigmatic shift in thinking and living. As a person who is saved and part of the forever family of God, I have accepted the grace of God on my soul. That is mine, given to me by my Heavenly Father and there is no
re-gifting of that grace to another. After I have this grace, peace can then occupy me as I continue to live under the authority of the Holy Spirit in my life. This peace is an internal result of the grace that I have been given and will extend outwardly to others as I become more and more like Jesus Christ. Throughout the New Testament, Paul and others made the statement, "Grace to you." This is declarative of the state that their souls were in. Never, as far as I have seen up to this point, have we been told to give grace to others in Scripture. We are given a ministry of reconciliation, we are told to be Christ's witnesses and we are also told to live, as much as depends on us, at peace with all around us. All these lead to the conclusion that peace is the outward expression of the grace that we have.
So how about it? Have you, as a conduit of God's grace been living at and showing peace to others? If not, there is a New Year's resolution that can start today.
If you do not know for sure that you are part of the forever family of God and would like to it is very simple. You know that you are a sinner and that sin has a price, it is death. Jesus died so you would not have to pay for your sin. His death and resurrection is the way that God can remove your sin debt. Simply believe that Jesus is God and He dies, was buried and three days later rose from the grave. You can tell God that you believe this and today become a part of His forever family.
If you have questions or would like to know more, shoot me a post or message.
To learn more go to www.lifein6words.com and watch the video.
Come back soon to hear more of the voices in my head,
Josh
The angel praised God in Luke 2:14, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." (NASB) God's desire is that peace reigns on earth. That can only happen when one's soul is rescued from sin by the grace that it is extended through Jesus, the Christ by believing and admitting that He is Lord and has risen from the dead. (Acts 16:31, Romans 10:9-10, John 3:16)
By all accounts, grace is something that is only given and extended by God. The most prominent extension of grace is salvation for which Jesus died on the cross, was buried, and three days later rose from the grave to seal the opportunity forever for all men to have access to the free gift of eternal life and a part in the forever family of God. It is through accepting God's grace that one can finally find peace in the heart, soul, mind and body (John 14:27).
So these two things are not against one another but part of a continuum that require each other for the other to be complete. However, we must realize that both parts are completed in and by God alone, not us. I believe that we have misconstrued these two words in our conversation and teaching within the walls of the church. We say things like, give them grace, extend them grace as if grace is something we can control, hand out or have any authority over in our lives. Christian vocabularies also exhort us to make peace, create a peaceful atmosphere in the room, etc. Again, this assumes that we are the ones that have the power to determine another's state of mind.
Grace is something that God does and has nothing to do with us, but toward humanity. We do not have the ability or authority to grant grace. Now, here is the interesting part...as a conduit of God's grace, we can extend peace to others. Do you see the difference? This is a paradigmatic shift in thinking and living. As a person who is saved and part of the forever family of God, I have accepted the grace of God on my soul. That is mine, given to me by my Heavenly Father and there is no
re-gifting of that grace to another. After I have this grace, peace can then occupy me as I continue to live under the authority of the Holy Spirit in my life. This peace is an internal result of the grace that I have been given and will extend outwardly to others as I become more and more like Jesus Christ. Throughout the New Testament, Paul and others made the statement, "Grace to you." This is declarative of the state that their souls were in. Never, as far as I have seen up to this point, have we been told to give grace to others in Scripture. We are given a ministry of reconciliation, we are told to be Christ's witnesses and we are also told to live, as much as depends on us, at peace with all around us. All these lead to the conclusion that peace is the outward expression of the grace that we have.
So how about it? Have you, as a conduit of God's grace been living at and showing peace to others? If not, there is a New Year's resolution that can start today.
If you do not know for sure that you are part of the forever family of God and would like to it is very simple. You know that you are a sinner and that sin has a price, it is death. Jesus died so you would not have to pay for your sin. His death and resurrection is the way that God can remove your sin debt. Simply believe that Jesus is God and He dies, was buried and three days later rose from the grave. You can tell God that you believe this and today become a part of His forever family.
If you have questions or would like to know more, shoot me a post or message.
To learn more go to www.lifein6words.com and watch the video.
Come back soon to hear more of the voices in my head,
Josh
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