And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. John 1:16

I am excited beyond words about my birthday! I am elated not because of the celebration of self but the fact that I can enjoy the grace of God upon me! I will turn 55 on the 25th of January. That marks  55  (5 times 11) years of grace that God has given me, undeserved. Celebrating on the 25th is 5 times 5 which marks a great day for me as I continue to experience grace for grace. 

Grace is unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration or sanctification which is enjoyed through divine assistance. I am amazed that God shows us sinful humans grace. He gives us assistance so we can be regenerated and sanctified. In other words, he shows us we are lost, saves our soul, gives us his Spirit, and changes us daily as we yield to be set apart. And the great part is we can enjoy the process and acceptance of his divine favor and assistance. How is that for a great life!

John chapter 1 is one of my favorite chapters from God’s Word. John writes of the fact that Jesus, or the Word, was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him. In him was life: and the life was the light of men. (John 1:4). The light (Jesus) shined in darkness but the darkness did not comprehend. John the Baptist came to bear witness of Jesus so that all men through him might believe. (John 1:7 paraphrased). Jesus is the “true light” who lights the soul of every man. If we receive Him he gives us the power to become the sons of God. If we believe, we can be born of God. 

Jesus was made flesh and dwelt among us. He is the only begotten of the Father who is full of grace and truth. Through Jesus, grace is bestowed upon man. We cannot earn His favor no matter how much we work to try. We can never deserve his assistance in our lives. We cannot regenerate or sanctify ourselves. We would be forever lost in our sinful state without Jesus. We are saved by grace through faith. This truth is to be found in God’s Word.

When I was born again I received his fullness-all of his grace for grace. I can’t comprehend why God would be so gracious to me but He has. As I look over my 55 years I have never done anything to deserve God’s grace, yet he has freely given me grace for grace. He gives forgiveness when I sin, He gives assistance to walk by faith, and He gives scripture to sanctify me. Within me is no good thing but I am what I am by the grace of God. 

WORDS OF TRUTH

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. Hebrews 2:9

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Ephesians 2:8

And the said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. I Corinthians  15:10   

For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11