PRIDE CANNOT RECOGNIZE GOD’S GRACE
From The HeartPublish date: 07/11/1999
Romans 9:30-33 (NIV)
30 What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith;
31 but
32 Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the "stumbling stone."
33 As it is written: "See, I lay in
God, in His mercy, sent Jesus to shed His blood on the c
The problem that
The gospel is simple and salvation is free, but it’s very simplicity and straight-forwardness causes people to stumble. They expect something more difficult – something which takes more of an effort from them. They want to feel as if they have earned it. They want to retain bragging rights. You can keep your pride intact if your salvation comes by your hand and your works – you never need to acknowledge your sin and lost state. However, if you are dependent upon God’s mercy – you must humble your heart before God and acknowledge your sin and your inadequacy before Him in order to receive His forgiveness. The thing is – we are totally dependent on God. So our only recourse is to chuck our pride and humble ourselves.
Proverbs 29:23 (NKJ)
23 A man's pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor.
James 4:6 (NKJ)
6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."
Titus 3:3-7 (NIV)
3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.
4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,
5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
It doesn’t matter who you are, it doesn’t matter where you’ve been, it doesn’t matter what you’ve done, Jesus has reached out His arms of love to you and offered you His mercy. If you have not been washed in the blood of Jesus – today is the day – recognize the fact that you need Him to save and redeem you. Even if you are a believer – you need God’s help every day. You make mistakes and you need His grace. Humble your heart – acknowledge your need – and receive His life and forgiveness.