WALKING IN GRACE

“And of His fullness we have all received, and GRACE for GRACE” – John 1:16

Beyond providing access into salvation and a platform to stand, the Covenant of Grace upholds our WALKING IN GRACE: “And of His fullness we have all received, and GRACE for GRACE” (Jh.1:16). The phrase “grace for grace” implies a walk, growth, movement or progression. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Personification of Grace. His Incarnation as the Word made flesh was “full of GRACE and truth” (v.14). Moses was God’s divine Vessel for releasing the Law, “but GRACE and truth came by Jesus Christ” (v.17). Our Lord manifests the Fullness of Grace, not for showmanship, but to make us partakers of “His Fullness” to the intent that His Grace is perfected in us, from “grace to grace” (v.16). We are called to live graciously!

Christianity is a Walk in Grace. Wherever we are, whatever we bear, and wherever we're headed, Grace is a common bond in the Body of Christ. Virtually every salutation and benediction in the epistles is laden with grace. Here are few examples: “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom.1:7); “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Jesus Christ” (1Cor.1:3-4); “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you” (1Cor.16:23); “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen” (2Cor.13:14).

Being justified and saved by grace is so amazing that we cannot sit still or remain passive. We’re excited to walk in grace before Him who changed our lives. Now, we can fervently share with others. When we sit stagnant, we miss opportunities to tell others about the grace we’ve received. To walk in grace is to drop the burdens that weigh us down, receive the divine resources we don't deserve, and proceed to stand and walk in obedience, repentance and celebration! Walking implies action – a response and a movement. As we walk in grace, we’re better positioned to testify of how amazing God is: “For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received [all had a share and we were all supplied with] one grace after another {and} spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing {and} even favor upon favor {and} gift [heaped] upon gift” (Jh.1:16, AMPC).

Walking in Grace ensures that we make more room for God to speak, direct, and move in our lives: “And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2Cor.12:9). Rather than stumble around in our own weakness, we can choose to walk in divine grace – strong in the Lord, even though we may feel weak. Remember: Mercy is not getting what we deserve: In God’s mercy, He forgave my sins. Grace is getting what we could never deserve: by Grace, God saved, adopted, and made us co-heirs with Jesus Christ. Even now, we don’t deserve strength, but Grace makes us strong! Grace may sound or appear passive, but it is not. There is an active strength in grace!

Grace is strong! We are saved, justified, and sanctified through grace. These are powerful transformations that require our willing cooperation. Yet, we must stop trying to earn grace. It is a divine gift (Eph.2:9). Accepting, rather than striving, is the pathway to walking in grace. Having obtained grace however, we must actively demonstrate it. To walk in grace is to be a Vessel of Grace, a Minister of Mercy, a Model of Righteousness, and a Channel of Generosity (Psa.112:.4-5, 9). We’re saved by God’s Grace, and from the inception of salvation to eternity in heaven, we are sustained by His Amazing Grace. Grace is the central theme in the personal story of every true Christian. Grace is the story of generations past and present. Grace calls us to Gratitude! Grace can become our Story and our Song!