The Call of God’s Grace

In our last post, we discussed the incredible comfort of God’s grace for those of us who sin. We rejoice in this truth. We also recognize that God’s grace not only includes the comfort of God’s grace but also the call of God’s grace. Let me explain.

Acceptance with Agenda

God accepts us in Christ at salvation. As discussed in the last blog, we rejoice in that. Yet, God continues to desire to see us grow in our sanctification or our likeness to Christ. Notice how Paul describes it:

Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. (Romans 8:12-14)

According to Paul, if we have been saved from our sins and have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, we then should no longer live according to our flesh but according to the Spirit. In other words, we should no longer live as if we are still in bondage to the flesh, as an unbeliever does; instead, we should live as one who has received the Spirit of God and empowerment from on high to live as a Christ-follower.

Simply put: we should now live as sons and daughters of God, not sons and daughters of Adam.

Whereas the flesh once dominated you prior to salvation, it no longer does as those who have experienced salvation.

Accepted – yes! But with a Call of Grace

No one can condemn you. You are secure in Christ. God accepted you in the midst of your sin – in spite of your sin. He justifies you, which means He declared you innocent of all past, present, and future sin. God poured out His anger on Jesus for your sin and placed Jesus’ righteousness onto you (2 Cor 5:21). This is grace!

Now what? Although we are not condemned, we should no longer continue to sin. Instead, we should live up to our new position in Christ in the Spirit. The call of grace is to put to death the flesh in all its manifestations and live in the Spirit. The call of grace motivates us to become more like Jesus Christ.

The path forward by grace is toward Christlikeness.

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