Romans 11:6
And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.
Here Paul is speaking to the Gentiles, and explaining that God’s grace extends to them, and at the same time, will not exclude those of Israel who choose to come back to God through Christ. God’s grace extends to anyone who chooses to follow Him. I am sure this passage and the surrounding ones have been debated and discussed for hours upon hours. But today, we look at the one simple statement about grace. Grace is not based on works. Grace is not earned. Grace is a gift from God. We are the recipients of this grace, whether we have been busy Christians serving and evangelizing, faithful believers living exemplary lives, or just average believers, doing their best at following Christ. I do not earn grace; it is not a payment. It is an unearned gift.
Lord God, I do not deserve the grace you show me every day. Yet you continue to bless me. I do want to serve you however I can. Help me to see opportunities to love my neighbors, and to love you even more. Amen
Becky, transforming
Pic by Kay
Romans 11:6
Having read some testimonials of new Christians, I can see this verse as a turning point for some. Here was kindness and God’s love being freely given to them no matter what their past was. Some Christians often forget this in their zeal to do God’s work, forgetting that God’s grace requires no good works, just good love.
Prayer: Gracious God, May I not get caught up in doing and do more accepting of God’s grace. Amen
God’s grace
Wednesday, August 21, 2024
Romans 11:6
But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.
The Apostle Paul never got over the grace that God showed him. Believing he was the worst guy we could imagine … and yet God chose to pour His grace on him. I imagine him saying, if I can be saved, anyone can . Paul was so overwhelmed with God’s grace in his life that he was compelled to share that good news with other people. Everyone on earth today can receive God’s grace, this is the promise made to all. There is nothing we can do to obtain this grace…
Romans 11:6
Paul’s words must have seemed strange to Gentiles in Rome who, for generations, had watched Jews keeping hundreds of laws prescribed by their religious leaders as essential to their identity as God’s chosen people. This Jesus movement sweeping across the Mediterranean turns all that around and claims God does the work and we respond with thanksgiving. Divine grace was (and is) revolutionary. It remains a stumbling block for so many who feel they are not “good enough” for God to love. God’s love, manifested by God’s grace comes first. All we have to do is say yes, but even today the Good News falls on deaf ears. Nevertheless, Christians must continue to proclaim it in all the ways…