1029. Laboring/Working by the Grace of God

"Working for God" is a theme that gets tossed around in the religious world. The memo suggests that too much grace will throw things out of balance and will deceive people. You may have even heard some say grace is dangerous.

Experiencing God's grace, peace and rest doesn't mean people should be encouraged to do nothing while their earthly life passes them by. The Apostle Paul said this: "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me (1 Corinthians 15:10).

Paul wasn't boasting in himself that he worked harder than the other apostles. He plainly states he isn't the one doing the work ... but God working through him and with him. In Christ, we cease from our works as God did from His. There is no need to "repent" from bad behavior in order to be considered worthy. It is by the blood of Jesus we've been forgiven, saved and declared right with God. Living by the grace of God can help people to follow their heart freely, knowing it is God who is their life source.



   
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737. Hebrews 3-4: We Enter His Rest Through Belief

In the third program of our series in Hebrews, the writer illustrates how the gospel was proclaimed to the Israelites during the first covenant … as well as to those alive on earth after the cross. The difference is that those who were under the first covenant did not enter God’s rest because of a disobedience called unbelief. They did not mix the message with faith because the law wasn’t based upon faith … but works.

We have entered God’s rest within this new and better covenant which is based upon the work of Christ. “For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.” The Person of Jesus has become our Sabbath in whom we rest.



   
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