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Friday, March 28, 2003

"through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." (Romans 5:2)

Romans is just full of one liners that other denominations cling to as their sole belief to Salvation, and this one is no exception. A more popular and familiar twin to this verse may be 'for by grace you have been saved through faith' in Ephesians 2:8. These verses although comforting, are for the most part, easily misused. These verses are paradise to those too lazy to find out the whole doctrine of Salvation, or those so naive to believe that God only spoke one line in the entire Bible concerning Salvation.

Ok, even if they did read just that one line, is the whole line read or just the part that sounds pleasing? Yes, it does say 'for by grace you have been saved,' but it also continues on to say 'through faith'. Doesn't anyone ever wonder what 'through faith' means? Is faith something you never have to work at to possess? Do they believe that everyone is born with faith, therefore, we are directly saved by grace? As I have already shared in my reflection for chapter four, faith doesn't come without effort. It is something we constantly work at to perfect.

Now, going back to 'by grace you have been saved'. 'We have access by faith into this grace,' meaning we must first have faith to receive grace. So, after exercising the steps to perfect faith, what's next? Does anybody ever wonder what 'by grace' means? Does it mean we sit idly for grace to fall on our lap? Is grace really something that's freely given? And yes, we are 'being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus' (Rm 3:24). Does that give us a green 'GO!' to be idle and receive salvation? Haven't anyone heard of the cliché, "there is no free lunch"? Even if there is 'free lunch', we got to get up and go get it. Grace may not have a monetary value, but nothing falls on our lap without some effort. What have we done to receive that grace which was already given to us freely?

Abraham put his own life in the hands of God and migrated out the comfort of his homeland. Moses realized his place was with God and His people and gave up the luxurious palace life. Joseph persisted in trusting God even while he was imprisoned. David upheld the principles of God even while Saul pursued his life. Elijah trusted that God would provide for him even in the time of drought. Stephen was martyred because he was 'full of faith and power' (Acts 6:8) in God. James was killed by Herod because he belonged to the church of God. Paul was stoned for giving glory to God. What have we done to confirm our faith is with God?

Grace has been freely given, have we made an effort to receive it?

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