The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my mind and heart in Romans 11:5-6,
"So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace."
Paul points to the expression of grace that salvation is. Grace is God "gifting" us. The concept of grace is tied to gift. Being chosen by God is not something accomplished by works but is brought about by God's grace, it is his gift to those of faith. Those who enter into God's family are considered a remnant of mankind as many will not find their way there. Paul's argument as to why Israel as a nation did not embrace Jesus Christ as her Savior is because they pursued God in their zealousness for him through their own efforts: their work in keeping the law. In the previous chapter Paul observes, "I can testify about them [the Israelites] that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes." Romans 10:2-3.
In Paul's thinking, the expression of grace in salvation is due to the fact that God receives all who will embrace him in faith. In Romans 4:16, we read, "Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace..." Because God decided beforehand that all who would embrace him in faith would become his children, it is by his grace. We don't earn it. It is freely given us and not by any "work" we do. Paul makes the point that faith itself is not a work for our part whatsoever, as faith really is a choice of the heart and not anything one "does". He says, "Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness." Romans 4:4-5.
Salvation is a gift God freely gives those who embrace him in faith. It is, however, something that did not cost. As I think of the wonderful gift God has given me in salvation, I am reminded during this Passion Week that Jesus Christ suffered intensely and died a miserable death to take my punishment on himself that I might have the gift of eternal life!
What a gift this is!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share your thoughts of worship with us from your Bible reading today. We'd love to hear from you!
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
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