Have You Fallen From Grace?

So many people seem to think the title question means, "Have you sinned so bad that there is no more grace for you?"  Well, that could not be further from the truth.  Galatians 5:1-4 explains that those who attempt to be justified by the law have fallen from grace.  So basically that means if you're relying on anything other than the finished work of Jesus at the cross, you've fallen from grace.   God's grace to us through Jesus encompasses so much more than forgiveness of sin.  His grace provides for our physical healing and financial prosperity as well.  If you don't believe me read Isaiah 53:5 and 2 Corinthians 8:9.

To flesh this out a bit, I will list some typical thoughts a person might have who is not fully established in the grace of God:

I'm praying for God to heal so-and-so.  They're so devout, I hope God will heal them.  If anyone deserves it, they do.  Wrong!  The truth is that God provided for everyone's healing through Jesus' stripes. (1 Peter 2:24)

Gee, I haven't prayed or read my bible in awhile.  I wonder if I've lost favor in my relationship with God.  Wrong again!  God relates to you and sees you as He sees His son Jesus.  You are the righteousness of God in Christ.  You are not becoming more righteous.  As Jesus is, so are you in this world in your spirit.  (2 Corinthians 5:21 and 1 John 4:17)  I should note that reading your bible and praying do benefit you, but they certainly don't make you righteous or make you a favorite with Father God.

I try so hard to do the right thing!  But I just seem to keep messing up and making the same mistakes over again.  Can I ever get victory?  Is God still pleased with me?  Yes and Yes.  You can get victory and God is still pleased with you.  When we try in our own self-effort to overcome a problem, often the results are less than stellar.  But I have found that when I admit my weakness, thus humbling myself before the Lord, I receive His grace (ability) to overcome the problem.  (See James 4:6)  And if I do stumble and fall again, there is no condemnation for me because I am in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1)

I hope this helps you start seeing yourself as God sees you.  Embrace the truth that He is pleased with you if you're in Christ Jesus.

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