Give grace because of love

Romans 4:16 For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, Let’s follow Paul’s reasoning here in this verse and be encouraged to love with Jesus and rejoice. The only way the promise of righteousness could be guaranteed to all the descendants of Abraham was if the promised righteousness was accomplished by God. If God does the work and gives right standing to anyone, then He gets the glory. For Him to be glorified in man’s salvation, one’s right standing must be on the basis of God’s grace. For one’s standing to be by grace, the means of assurance that one is righteous by grace can only be faith. Faith is assuring because no man can produce faith. It is a work of grace in the hearts of all whom God justifies in Christ, both those who are of the Law (meaning Jews) and those who are not (meaning Gentiles). If the basis for justification relies upon anything that a person does, then the righteousness is not in accordance with grace. Therefore, God has determined from eternity that salvation would be by grace alone through faith alone. This verse reveals that faith is God’s work and not man’s. If it were man’s work, then salvation would not be in accordance with grace. Since it salvation is by grace, then Abraham is the father of everyone who believes, whether Jew or Gentile. How does one know that the faith they have isn’t natural, but supernatural? Faith works through love—you live to love with Jesus. You have the witness of the Holy Spirit loving in and through you today and everyday. No, we don’t love perfectly and every time there’s an opportunity. But it is our hearts’ desire and intention to love as He has loved us—giving grace to others because of love. Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com