ARE YOU MISSING A BLESSING?
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.
Ephesians 1:3
Years ago, I heard an interesting story concerning Cambridge University. In the chaplaincy housing, there was a rug in one of the rooms that seems old, dated, and in need of replacement. Before the decision was made to throw it out, some research was done. It was discovered the rug was made in ancient Persia. It was very rare and valuable, but the occupants in the room had no idea. They ate on it, spilled on it, wiped their feet on it, and treated as common that which was priceless.
I believe we are guilty of the same mistake when we so often skim over Paul's familiar salutations found in each of his thirteen epistles: "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 1:3). This is an amazing text repeated in every letter Paul wrote. Now it we will simply stop for a moment to sufficiently ponder the salutation, we will reap a rich and wonderful blessing.
GOD EXTENDS HIS GRACE TO YOU
"Grace to you." God extends His amazing grace (unmerited favor and goodness) to undeserving sinners like you and me. The best mortal man who ever lived is not worthy of one shred of God's grace or one drop of His royal red blood. Yet, God freely lavishes His grace upon all those who call out to Him in repentance and faith.
There is amazing grace that draws us into a personal relationship with Him, and there is amazing grace that calls to us when we fail and fall as believers. By God's grace, repentant prodigals are embraced by the Father, and erring believers like Peter are restored to fellowship with Jesus. We are saved by His grace, sanctified by His grace, and brought to heaven by His grace.
Regardless of what you have done or how far you may have fallen (the Corinthians church was full of failures), God's grace—His love in action—is extended to you. As Corrie ten Boom once said, "No pit is so deep, that He is not deeper still." No matter how gross the sin (Peter's was gross, indeed), His love and grace can cleanse, forgive, and pull you from the depths of degradation!
GOD EXTENDS HIS PEACE TO THOSE WHO RECEIVE HIS GRACE
The order of the salutation is critical. It is grace and then peace, never vice-versa. The reason why is simple: it is impossible to experience God's wonderful peace until you first encounter God's amazing grace. Grace is the power, and peace is the result.
Do you have peace today, a deep and abiding calmness within, regardless of your circumstances? So many Christians do not enjoy peace, even though it was purchased for them through the cross. Often, we pray for things we are not given assurance of in Scripture: physical healing (everyone eventually dies), financial prosperity, and restored relationships (see Romans 12:18). But wonderful peace is something that is assured to us in Scripture. Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful" (John 14:27).
CASH IN ON THE SALUTATION
Listen, if God says something once, it is important. If He says it twice, it is really important. But if He says it thirteen times in thirteen letters, it is equivalent to Him shouting it from the rooftops—"Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!" That is not a text to skip over as if it were a meaningless pleasantry. It is not a text to wipe your feet on as if it were some crummy old rug at Cambridge. It is a text to take to heaven's bank and cash it! Receive God's grace today as He extends it to you. When you do, you will experience His peace. How do I know? Because He promised!
Love,
Pastor Jeff Schreve,
From His Heart Ministries
Dr. Jeff Schreve believes that no matter how badly you may have messed up in life, God still loves you and has a wonderful plan just for you. From His Heart provides real truth, love and hope on over 700 radio stations each day, in 182 countries each week on TV, and is always available online. Pastor Jeff takes no income from this ministry. All donations go to furthering the broadcast outreach. As a listener/viewer supported ministry, we thank you for joining with us to help speak the truth in love to a lost and hurting world. Go to www.fromhisheart.org for more information.
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