“Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us” (2 Peter 1:3, The Message).
“We have everything we need to live a life that pleases God. It was all given to us by God’s own power” (2 Peter 1:3, CEV).
I know the next question: “What is the power that has been given to us, enabling us to please God?” The answer is grace. Much has been communicated about grace in recent times, yet it still isn’t fully understood. Grace is, without a doubt, one of the most important truths a New Testament believer should grasp because it’s the very foundation of our salvation and life in Christ.
We must always remind ourselves that it is by grace we are saved, and by grace we continue to receive the benefits of salvation. You see, grace goes beyond forgiveness. Grace is also God’s empowerment. This is how we can live like Christ.
“Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did” (1 John 2:6, NIV).
Notice the apostle doesn’t say should but must. We must walk as Jesus did! This is not a suggestion or goal; it’s what God expects. The good news is that God never gives a command in the New Testament without supplying the power to keep it. So we can conduct ourselves as Jesus through the power of grace. It’s this aspect of grace that many overlook, largely because it’s not taught with the same emphasis. For this reason, believers struggle in their Christian walk and don’t live an extraordinary life.
Strong’s Greek dictionary brings to light the power of grace by defining it as “the divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in the life.” Notice the words “reflection in the life.” It’s obvious that there is more to the meaning of grace than being heaven-bound.
Grace is not just God’s favor but also His empowering presence that gives us the ability to do what thrills Him. Grace gives us the ability to exceed our own ability. It gives us the ability to live extraordinarily!
Marked by boldness and passion, John Bevere delivers
uncompromising truth through his award-winning curriculum and
best-selling books now available in over sixty languages. His newest
book is Extraordinary: The Life You’re Meant to Live. More information is available at www.ExtraordinaryOnline.org.
