Sheer Grace

“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved.” Ephesians 2:4-5 NIV.

Graciousness has to be one of my all-time favourite attributes of God. It’s usually defined as “undeserved favour,” and just like it says in Ephesians 2:4-5, it flows out of God’s rich mercy. Grace is one of the cornerstones of our relationship with God, and it enables us to receive what we could never deserve, what we could never repay. It paves a way for us to confidently approach God (Hebrews 4:16). By grace, we experience salvation as a gift (Ephesians 2:8). We are set free from sin and the heavy yoke of the law (Romans 6:14). And out of grace, “he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities” (Psalms 103:10 NIV).

By grace, God has called us from death to life. Though we were dead in our sins and did not deserve better, God has given us abundant life and calls us to thrive! He uprooted us from a cemetery to plant us in a beautiful garden. That is sheer grace.

Although we could never save ourselves, God rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and “brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves” (Colossians 1:13 NIV). That is sheer grace.

Although we may fail time and time again and shame and condemnation might try to creep around the corner, we know the cross has already won the war. That is sheer grace.

I love the illustration of grace found in Ezekiel 36. That chapter retells how God intended to bring redemption to the devastated land of the Israelites and that all those who would pass through it will say, “This land that was laid waste has become like the garden of Eden; the cities that were lying in ruins, desolate and destroyed, are now fortified and inhabited.” Then the nations around you that remain will know that I the Lord have rebuilt what was destroyed and have replanted what was desolate.” (Ezekiel 36: 34-36 NIV). But God did not promise this because they deserved it or earned it. In fact, God clearly states: “I am not doing this for your sake, declares the Sovereign Lord” (Ezekiel 26:32 NIV).

God loves, redeems, restores, forgives, and heals because it flows out of who He is. Not because we could ever earn it. It is His goodness revealed and placed on display for all to see. That is sheer grace!

Father God, we thank you for the promises, blessings, and gifts You so gracious bestow on us. Thank you for Your undeserved favour towards us! We are so grateful for Your unconditional love that covers our sins, flaws, shortcomings and frees us to encounter You in a life-giving and life-changing way. Help us gain a greater awareness of the beauty of Your grace towards us. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen!