13th March, 2025
The Heart of God's Grace
The Lord is ever gracious. He is gracious to the lost and the ignorant, and to
the babe in Christ. He is gracious to the weak and the oppressed.
But to you? A father of faith?
Why do you crucify Christ a second time?
Condemnation Has Been Removed
John 3:16–18 (KJV)
«“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”»
There is no condemnation to the man who is in Christ.
The Lord Jesus is ever patient, yet He is persistent in His dealings with His people.
He forgives. He rebukes and edifies. Yet He does not let you go. He is always
willing to have you right back.
However He also said:
«“...but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.”
— Matthew 12:31 (KJV)»
The Lord Jesus has power to forgive sins. He has the keys of hell and of death.
Walking in the Spirit
What it takes to escape condemnation is to believe in the Son of God.
After believing, you learn to walk in the Spirit. Walking in the Spirit reveals
who you are.
The Beatitudes of Christ are the benedictions of Christ. Hence, the redemptive
Beatitudes are the redemptive blessings of Christ toward the Church.
The Blessings of Christ
What are the blessings of Christ?
1. Joy
The joy of the Lord strengthens the believer and preserves his heart in Christ.
2. Dominion
Through Christ, we reign over sin, fear, and the powers of darkness.
3. Power
Power to heal, to cleanse, and to proclaim the forgiveness of sins.
Yes, we have received the ministry of reconciliation because we are the
righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.
The Authority of Christ
Matthew 9:4–6 (KJV)
«“And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your
hearts?
For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?
But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive
sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.”»
So the Son of Man could forgive sins in His mortality, and the Scriptures tell us:
«“As he is, so are we in this world.”
— 1 John 4:17 (KJV)»
Having received the ministry of reconciliation, we do not merely point others
to God, but we ourselves continually draw near to Him.
Royal Priests Before God
Hebrews 5:1–3 (ESV)
«“For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf
of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.
He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness.
Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people.”»
We are all royal priests. We are all called and ordained to offer sacrifices to God in the order of our Lord Jesus Christ.
So then, we obtain mercy and grace from God, and when we sin, we return to Him in repentance and faith.
Where Is the Power of Sin?
The Lord has conquered sin and death.
Christ has triumphed over condemnation, darkness, and the grave itself.
«“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”
— 1 Corinthians 15:55 (KJV)»
The believer’s confidence is not in personal perfection, but in the finished work of Jesus Christ.
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Him.
Let's Pray
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your mercy, grace, and unfailing love. Thank You for sending Your Son to bear our sins and remove our condemnation.
Teach us to walk in the Spirit and to live in the reality of our redemption. Help us to embrace the ministry of reconciliation and extend the same grace we have received to others.
When we stumble, remind us that Your mercy is greater than our failures. When we are weak, strengthen us by Your Spirit. When condemnation seeks to arise, anchor our hearts in the truth of Your Word.
May we live boldly as sons, daughters, and royal priests, proclaiming the victory of Christ wherever we go.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Excerpt adapted from my forthcoming book, “THE UNSEARCHABLE RICHES
OF CHRIST.”
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