Grace Beyond Existence: Divine Reflections and Human Perceptions (02/17/'24)

Grace Beyond Existence: Divine Reflections and Human Perceptions The grace of the Creator is revealed in His extraordinary capacity to bring forth existence out of nothing, not by assuming the role of a mere overseer. In contrast, human beings often struggle to embody this grace, tending instead to build upon what already exists. This limitation highlights a gap between human effort and divine grace. The gospel of Christ bridges this gap by offering grace to individuals, liberating them from the constraints of their limitations. On the other hand, adherence to the law without understanding grace can lead to confusion and a sense of being lost, as the law alone, without the light of grace, marks the start of misunderstanding. The repayment of the Creator to humanity is not an acknowledgment of superficial values but a mirror to the essence of human nature. Thus, to claim moral or spiritual superiority is to misjudge the nature of right and wrong. This dilemma is encapsulated in the query posed by Jesus, "Why do you call me good?", found in the scriptures of Mark 10:18, Luke 18:19, and Matthew 19:17. This question challenges the conventional labels of goodness, urging a reflection on the true source of virtue and grace. -Pastor Steven G. Lee (February 17, 2024)