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
God is love.
In 1829, two men robbed the United States Postal Service. After a manhunt, both were captured. Eventually, both men were found guilty of six charges, and sentenced to execution by hanging, to be carried out on July 2, 1830. The first man was executed on schedule, but the second man was not.
Powerful friends pleaded for mercy to the President, Andrew Jackson, on his behalf. President Jackson issued a formal pardon, dropping all charges. The president reduced the charges to a prison term of 20 years for his other crimes. Incredibly, the man refused the pardon!
When the case made its way to the Supreme Court, Chief Justice, John Marshall wrote, “A pardon is an act of grace, proceeding from the power entrusted with the execution of the laws…. delivery is not completed without acceptance. It may then be rejected by the person to whom it is tendered, and…we have no power in a court to force it on him.”
God, who is love and is rich and mercy, is offering us grace. My friends, we are guilty of sin. The great teacher, the ten commandments, calls me to account.
1) “You shall have no other gods before me.”
2) “You shall not make for yourself an idol…”
3) “You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses His name.”
4) “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy…”
5) “Honor your father and your mother,…”
6) “You shall not murder.”
7) “You shall not commit adultery
8) “You shall not steal.”
9) “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor
10) “You shall not covet …”
Search your heart. This is not simply about salvation, though it may very well be. Do not compare yourself to others, but DO compare yourself to the King of Kings. He sets the standard and calls us to demonstrate His love to others. The body of Christ must repent from our arrogance and boldness in the sin that we do, knowing that His love covers all our sins. Turn to God and live for Him.
Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
1 John 1:8-10 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
The bottom line there are many different ways that I can break these commandments. Sometimes I do so intentionally and other times I simply find myself doing them. Regardless I need the Grace of God to be cleansed of these sins. A constant prayer for this man of God is:
“Search me oh Lord. Examine me in fine detail. Show me ANYWHERE that I am falling short of Your ideal for my life. Purify me from all sins. I repent of my choices. Turn me toward Your every moment in every way.”
I know that God loves me no matter what, but I want to live a life that gives Him something to brag about.
