Forty Days Full - An Invitation To Real Life

Day Nine: Graceland

“The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 5:20-21 NIV) B iblical grace is generally defined in two ways, unmerited favor or divine enabling power. It depends on what I need in the moment. In times that I have failed, I appeal to God's grace that I might have a favor that I don't deserve. At other times the task before me is beyond my ability, so I ask the Holy Spirit for a supernatural power that comes from heaven. I understand the application of grace is not always this simple. In a much broader sense, grace is the age that we live in. Through the cross we are no longer under the rule of Moses’ law. Jesus in His life obediently satisfied every tenant of the law yet carried our curse of disobedience to the cross in His death. Thus, the law of God was satisfied in Him. When we accept His substitutionary death and surrender our life to Him, we enter into Graceland. Some have interpreted this as a 'hall pass' to do whatever they want without consequence. No, Graceland is the place where Sons and Daughters of God live in His favor. Grace is scandalous! It conflicts with our since of justice. Why should a person who does not deserve it receive favor? I've found that I appreciate grace the most when I'm the one who receives it. I don't like it when I must give grace to someone who has offended me. In other words, living in Graceland is