... The message of grace that I see compels me to run with the wind at my back without any fear of falling because my trips and missteps will not be held against me.
Two-headed coins are not an acceptable means of exchange in our circulation of currency. All dimes, nickels, quarters, etc must have two distinct sides, heads and tails. All coins, dollars, and even checks have two sides. If one side is missing, so is the value. In that way, they are similar to Jesus. Jesus has two distinct sides mentioned in scripture and if we strip our understanding of Him from either side then we risk robbing ourselves of His true value in our lives.
The Bible teaches that Jesus is full of grace and truth (John 1:14). Grace and truth are His two sides. One cannot be present without the other while the Lord is present.
Lately, it is the grace side of Jesus’ person that seems to be trending among Christians more than When They See Us views and Game of Thrones memes are trending in the world. Grace is so liberating that it can make you lose all appetite for truth. After all, there is always one side of the coin that seems to have more significance than the other. Case in point, Diddy made a iconic and timeless rap song about the Benjamins. I don’t think it would have had the same impact if it was titled “All About Independence Hall” which is on the opposite side of the one hundred dollar bill.
The relatability of grace has lured many to chuck truth out the passenger window while barreling 120 mph down the interstate. But remember it is the two distinct sides of the coin that gives it value. If we abandon truth, in essence, we have inadvertently abandoned grace too. Well, at the least the grace that is described in the Bible.
For instance, I’m not so sure that many professing Christians are aware that the Bible teaches that our blatant disregard for our personal behavior can cause us to fail at obtaining grace. This is what it says in Hebrews 12:14-15, “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; (ESV)”
If we abandon truth, in essence, we have inadvertently abandoned grace too.
I hear so many people use grace as an excuse to do whatever they want to do that it has become a weight on my soul. I’m deeply concerned about their misunderstanding. When I read and study the word I do not see a message of grace that is absent from the sobering reality of truth. I do not see a message that tells me to deliberately dishonor God and give a half-hearted effort to honor Him because grace will cover me no matter what.
On the contrary, the message of grace that I see compels me to run with the wind at my back without any fear of falling because my trips and missteps will not be held against me. It tells me to sing from the depths of my belly because the cracks in my voice will be ignored. My shortcomings will be overlooked when I aim my life to honor my God. Any grace that robs us of our passion to pursue the Lord is a false man-made grace that will be our escort to hell if we allow it. Jesus tells several stories that highlight people that were so convincing in their lies to themselves that they thought He would be equally convinced, but He wasn’t. And He isn’t.
So now here is truth, but before I give it please take special note that I’m a #1 fan of grace. I’m convinced nobody has needed it more than me. However, though I’m saved by grace, I live for Jesus. He is filled with grace and truth. Both should be equally important to every believer. Both are equally important to me.
Here are 10 verses and passages of scripture that teach us a proper perspective of how grace should be viewed in our lives.
Click Here to download full color PDF version of the list that includes verse by verse commentary from Pastor Damon.
James 1:22 (NKJV) But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
Luke 11:28 (NKJV) But He said, "More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!"
Titus 1:16 (NLT) Such people claim they know God, but they deny Him by the way they live. They are detestable and disobedient, worthless for doing anything good.
Matthew 28:20 (NKJV) teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
Ephesians 5:3-5 (NKJV) But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; [4] neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. [5] For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
1 John 2:4-5 (NLT) If someone claims, "I know God," but doesn't obey God's commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. [5] But those who obey God's word truly show how completely they love Him. That is how we know we are living in Him.
1 John 5:3 (NKJV) For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.
Philippians 1:27 (NKJV) Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,
2 Peter 3:11 (NKJV) Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,
Luke 6:46-47 (NKJV) "But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do the things which I say? [47] Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like:
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