0295. TRANSFORMING GRACE.

TRANSFORMING GRACE.

"This grace wherein we stand", (Rom_5:2).

The grace of God, which bringeth salvation, works a complete transformation in the character and relationship of all who believe. It changes our relationship-

1. To God the Father. No longer enemies, but sons; instead of being under the wrath of God, now under His special care.

2. To Christ the Son. We were without Him, and without hope, but now grace hath made us nigh-united to Him, cleansed by His blood, and kept by His power.

3. To the Holy Spirit. Before He had no place in our hearts, which was like a cage full of unclean birds. Now He abides within as our Guide and Comforter.

4. To the Law. Before grace came we were under the law, and, because of sin, under the curse. Now we are not under the law, but under grace, and the law is being fulfilled in us who walk after the Spirit.

5. To the Power of Sin. Sin used to have dominion over us; we were its slaves. Now its guilt has been cleansed and its power broken. Freed from sin.

6. To this Present World. In times past we walked according to the course of this world. But now we have been chosen out of it, and sent into it to be witnesses for God against it (John 17). We used to love the world, but now we love not the world, and are hated by it.

7. To Good Works. Until grace came we trusted in our good works for salvation, but being saved by grace without them, we now become co-workers together with God.

8. To Trials and Afflictions. While unsaved all trials and afflictions were looked upon as enemies to our good. Now we know that "All things work together for our good" (Rom_8:28).

9. To Death. Before the grace of God was known death was clothed in robes of dreadful terror; its fear was ever and anon upon us. Now we know it to be a vanquished foe, and a gateway into glory. "O death, where is thy sting?" (1Co_15:55).

10. To the Judgment. When we wandered in the darkness of doubt and sin the prospect of judgment past an awful shadow over the soul. Now the judgment-seat for the faithful Christian means a place of reward.

"Grace, ’tis a charming sound I"

Autor: James Smith