Writing to the Christians in Rome, Paul described salvation as an ‘abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness’ [Romans 5:17]. What does that mean? What is grace? The ‘stock answer’ is ‘unmerited favour’, but do we really understand the fulness of this? Years ago, I learned that Yahweh gives us what we don’t deserve, and doesn’t give us what we do deserve. What a profound (though simple) statement. Pause a moment, and think about it.
In his translation of Paul’s letters, Arthur Way interprets this scripture as “The measureless overflowing of the fountain of the grace of [Yahweh]”. How beautiful! These measureless ‘overflowings’ are for all of us, and the abundance of grace affects every area of life. Poet and songwriter Annie Johnson Flint [1866-1932], from the depth of tragedy and debilitating illness, wrote:
He Giveth More Grace
He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when the labours increase;
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.
Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
[Yahweh] ever yearns His resources to share;
Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.
His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in [Yahshua]
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.
As the UK settles into winter, and all over the country key people are planning strike action, we are battling the escalating cost of living and its ongoing effect in every area of life. Anxiety and fear are widespread, and with the media underscoring the apprehension, where do we stand? “But he gives us more grace…” [James 4:6]. Trusting Yahweh won’t deliver us from this situation, but the overflowing of His abundant grace can guide us through! Amy Carmichael cries thankfully, “Praise [Yahweh], He does not measure out grace in teaspoons.”
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You Are The BranchesClick to see the whole passage:
1 timothy 3:16 NIV - Beyond all question, the mystery from - Bible Gateway
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