Accepting What Grace Offers

Author: Ayodeji Oludapo

Date: September 11, 2024

Scripture: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)

Devotional Thoughts 

Yesterday, we explored the profound truth of being "Loved by Grace," recognizing that God's grace is not contingent on our actions but rooted in the finished work of Jesus on the cross. Today, we delve deeper into the importance of accepting this grace in our lives. Accepting grace is not merely an acknowledgment; it is an active choice to embrace the gift that has been freely given to us through Jesus Christ. The very heart of the gospel is grace—God reaching down to humanity with love, forgiveness, and redemption through Jesus Christ. Grace is the bridge between our fallen nature and God's holiness, a divine gift made available through Christ's sacrifice on the cross.

However, while this grace is available to all, there is an essential truth we must embrace: the need to accept it. Just as a gift remains unopened until the recipient chooses to receive it, God's grace requires acceptance to manifest its transformative power in our lives. The act of accepting grace starts with acknowledging our need for a Saviour and making the personal decision to trust Jesus as the Lord of our lives. Accepting what grace offers is not about striving or achieving but about surrender. It is the moment we confess, "Lord, I cannot do this on my own; I need You." It is an act of humility where we recognize that our efforts, goodness, or moral behaviour are not enough. It is by faith alone, in Christ alone, that we can step into the fullness of God's grace.

Practical Reflections 

Consider the story of the thief on the cross (Luke 23:39-43). He had no good works to offer, no chance to earn salvation, yet Jesus extended grace to him in his final moments. This story illustrates that God's grace is available to anyone willing to accept it, regardless of their past. You don’t need to clean yourself up before coming to God; instead, come as you are and allow grace to do its work in your life. In our daily lives, we must continually choose to accept God's grace by releasing the burden of self-effort and trusting fully in what Christ has done for us. It means living in the freedom of knowing we are deeply loved by God, not because of anything we’ve done, but because of what Jesus has done.

Closing Thoughts 

Grace is not just a one-time event; it is a daily invitation to live in the freedom and love that Jesus offers. Accepting grace means embracing the fact that we are saved, sustained, and empowered by what Jesus accomplished on the cross. If you haven’t made that personal decision to receive Christ and accept His grace, today is the perfect time. And if you’ve already accepted Him, continue to walk in the confidence that His grace is sufficient every single day.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the precious gift of grace that You offer freely to all of us. I acknowledge that I cannot save myself, and I humbly accept the grace that was made possible through the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus. Teach me to live each day in the light of Your grace, trusting in what You have done and not in my own efforts. Help me to rest in the assurance that I am loved and accepted by You, not because of my works but because of Your boundless grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.