Having experienced God’s grace, ourselves, we are called on to extend that grace to others. The evidence of whether we are living by his grace is to be found int he way we treat other people. When we see ourselves as sinners and totally unworthy in ourselves of God’s compassion, patience, and forgiveness, then we will want to be gracious to others. God’s grace is meant to be a transforming grace. Paul says in Titus 2:11-12 “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.” God’s grace brings salvation, not only from the guilt and condemnation of sin, but also from the reign of sin in our lives. The first character trait that should flow out of experiencing God’s grace is gratitude. In the gift of eternal life, God has given us greater treasure than all the accumulated wealth of the world. The question we need to evaluate is, “Are we sufficiently grateful for this priceless gift?” The reality is that all blessings come to us by God’s grace, and all of them are occasions for gratitude … READ MORE

The cry, “It is finished” was the Bondservant reporting to His Master about the status of His assignment, and we can be sure that the father agreed with the Son that the atonement had been made. No sooner did the Son give the final cry than we read in Matthew 27:51, “At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom…” The way to God was now open. Instead of entry being restricted to the high priest entering the Holy of Holies on only on day in the year, entrance into God’s presence was not available to all who come through Christ. With the barrier of our sin taken away, we can now “draw near… through the blood of Christ.” The proof that this sacrifice was indeed sufficient was that He rose from the grave three days later, as He said He would. If you have never received Christ as you sin bearer, do so right now. The issue before you is not the greatness of your sin BUT the worth of the sacrifice Jesus provided. At the end of the day, it is not how sinful I am, but it is what I … READ MORE

In Old Testament times, the people wondered when the sacrifices would be finished. Those who died in Faith believed that the last payment for their sins was yet to be made. There was an endless stream of sacrifices; these cleansed the people in a ceremonial way, but could not cleanse the conscience. Warren Wiersbe said, “He took my bankruptcy and covered it with His solvency.” He didn’t just make a down payment and then expect me to keep up the installments. On the cross the justice of God was fully satisfied when our heavenly Substitute paid the great price of ransom. This means that my sins are on Jesus, not on me. While there is sin WITHIN me, it is not ON me. My sinful nature keeps luring me toward sin, and even in my best moments my works are tainted with selfish motives. But legally, I am accepted on the basis of the merit of Jesus. Jesus’ cry “It is finished!” is a reminder that the price has been paid, I simply need to receive that gift. How about you, are you willing to trust the validity of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross? … READ MORE