SALVATION BY GRACE IS ONLY THE BEGINNING

As I have written many times, grace is "getting something one does not deserve." It is "unmerited favor." And the most important "gift" man can receive is the grace that we received through faith in Christ: salvation. Salvation means that we are saved from the penalty of our sins because of our faith in the finished work of Christ on our behalf on the cross. Salvation is being born again. Salvation is being adopted by the Father. Salvation is eternal life. Salvation is what we get instead of what we deserve.

However, the believer's new birth is not the final work of grace he receives. God's grace is manifest in His promises to be with us in this world; to never allow us to be tried beyond what we can endure; to conform us into the image of His Son; to fill us with His Spirit; to empower us for ministry; and on and on and on! The following poem, written by a humble person wishing to remain anonymous, says it much better than I.

My Grace Is Sufficient For Thee

When sin-stricken, burdened and weary,
From bondage I longed to be free,
There came to my heart the sweet message:
"My grace is sufficient for thee."

Though tempted and sadly discouraged,
My soul to this refuge will flee,
And rest in the blessed assurance:
"My grace is sufficient for thee."

My bark may be tossed by the tempest
That sweeps o'er the turbulent sea-
A rainbow illumines the darkness:
"My grace is sufficient for thee."

O Lord, I would press on with courage,
Though rugged the pathway may be,
Sustained and upheld by the promise:
"My grace is sufficient for thee."

Soon, soon will the warfare be over,
My Lord face to face I shall see,
And prove, as I dwell in His presence:
"His grace was sufficient for me."