Sometimes people talk about God’s grace as if it’s something they can manipulate. They think saying a prayer will force God to forgive them for whatever they do. But no words can convince God to forgive an unrepentant person. We don’t choose God and close a deal on a ticket to Heaven. God also has to choose us. If it weren’t for God’s grace we wouldn’t even be given the opportunity to seek his face. And only those who truly repent will be accepted by God. It’s not about just being sorry or feeling bad or having an emotional experience. It’s a practical change of mind that results in a practical change of behavior through the power and grace of God. We aren’t forgiven of our past to get us a free trip to Heaven. God grants forgiveness so that we can live new and holy lives that please God. We are saved so that we can do good works and be righteous people. It’s not some ethereal spiritual condition. It’s a real way of life.
But some people think they can earn God’s grace, and that once they do they are better than everybody else. In fact, some people think once they pray a particular prayer that they can use God’s grace like it’s a limitless get-out-of-Hell-free card and go on living a life full of sin and get away with it. But the true Christian, who actually loves God, is not only changed by God’s grace, but in God’s grace they also choose to live a life of obedience to God. We don’t change into different people when we die. We simply change forms. And if your heart is still enslaved by sin on Judgment Day you will be cast out. But if your heart is pure, you will continue on the path you have already found in Christ.
Whadaya think of that?
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