My spiritual life is a collection of some powerful forces working within me. God’s wonderful grace (unmerited favor) has been bestowed on me by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. His mercy allows me access to God, the Father in spite of my sin. My own ‘flesh’ and desire to please myself pulls me from godliness and sanctification. God’s Word and Holy Spirit convict of sin, provide wisdom and the power to live in a godly way. All of these forces at work in one person. Yet, God is able to present me before Himself as righteous and without fault, ascribing to me the righteousness of His Dear Son. That doesn’t mean I can do whatever I want. Jude, warns us about those who try to woo us toward ‘cheap grace’. There are some who masquerade as believers but come into the church enticing others to lewdness, denying Christ, and defying all God-given authorities. Reject such people and live unto the Lord alone.
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling,
And to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,
To God our Savior, who alone is wise,
Be glory and majesty, dominion and power,
Both now and forever. Amen. Jude 1:24-25 NASB
How can I let my practical righteousness match my positional righteousness? What or who would seek to deter me from the sanctification God desires?
God, as this day begins- I look ahead to the ministry You have appointed. I pray I might walk as one who places the highest value on the mercy and grace You afford me. May I walk pleasing in Your sight, empowered by Your Spirit, serving Your people today. How awesome it would be to be faultless before Your throne.
