Open Heavens Daily Devotional Monday 28th May 2018, Monday by Pastor E.A. Adeboye
Topic: Grace II
Memorise: For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. – John 1:17
Read: Romans 3:20-25 (KJV)
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 5-6, Acts 1
MESSAGE:
Grace is God’s character by which He shows Himself as being compassionate, loving, merciful, accepting and generous to all of mankind. God’s grace shields sinful mankind from wrath, grants them forgiveness and bestows on them His righteousness so that they can live and grow in faith and obedience to Him. Grace and mercy are particularly expressed through God’s covenant with His chosen people and through Jesus Christ’s atoning death on the cross. Throughout the Bible, the notion of grace is abundantly present even where the word is not mentioned. Whenever Jesus brought healing to the sick and deliverance to the oppressed, divine grace was on display. The grace of God is especially expressed through salvation from sin, offered by Jesus to all mankind. Speaking about Jesus as the embodiment of God’s grace, Titus 2:11 says,
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,”
Jesus vividly explained the notion of grace through the parables of the prodigal son and the tax collector who was justified after praying for God’s mercy as a sinner (Luke 15:11-32, Luke 18:9-14). Grace is a core part of the message of the Christian faith, and hence the message of the gospel is repeatedly labeled the “gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 14:3, Acts 20:24).
“And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Timothy 1:14
It is important to note that divine grace is a gift of God, and it is abundant enough to secure forgiveness and redemption for anyone who is dead in sin, raising them up and making them sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:5-6). This abundant grace also opens the door of healing from all kinds of sickness, and it delivers from captivity, oppression and all kinds of demonic powers. Furthermore, it is able to break down the strongholds of the devil and produce transformation in lives. It is equally important to note that this abundant grace, though underserved, is available for free! No one can ever meet the requirements or fulfill the conditions necessary for accessing the benefits that God’s grace gives. The least you can do is to thank God for it. Ephesians 2:8-9 says,
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
The saving grace of Jesus Christ is available to all human beings without exception; do not reject or ignore it, but rather accept it with thanksgiving and your life will never be the same again. Amen!
Action Point: Thank God for the work His redeeming grace has done in your life, recounting them to Him.
Hymn 3: What Can Wash Away My Sins?
1. What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Chorus:
Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
2. For my cleansing this I see,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
For my pardon this my plea,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
3. Nothing can for sin erase
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Naught of works, ‘tis all of grace,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
4. This is all my hope and peace,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
This is all my righteousness,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
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