The Gravity Of Grace - Grace Is Amazing (Because We Aren't)

“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:16-17, ESV)

“Nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.” (Acts 17:25, ESV)

“He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” (Hebrews 1:3, ESV)

“For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 2:21, ESV)

Many years ago, humans held to the basic theory that the Earth, not the Sun, was at the center of our universe. Claudius Ptolemaeus, living in the 2nd century, was the first to offer a detailed explanation of this theory which was accepted widely as being true. This arrangement of the universe is known as the “Ptolemaic” model: Earth is in the center and the Sun, the planets, and the stars move in orbits around it.

A millennium later this theory was toppled by extensive scientific work starting with Copernicus in 1543, then proven as true as other discoveries followed. We now know that the “Copernican” view of the universe is correct; the Sun, not the Earth, is at the center.

Even though the old Earth-centered model for heavenly bodies has passed from the scene, there remains a continued danger for an attempted reordering of creation. As individuals, we tend to promote a “me-centered” universe. We demand that our expectations are met, preferences catered to, and personal opinions enshrined. In short, we feel like everyone, including God, collectively owes us a great debt.

This “me-centered” universe doesn’t square with the reality found in Christ. In fact, Paul writes that “all things were created through him and for him” (Colossians 1:16). Jesus is the only one worthy to occupy the position of the focus of all creation. This fact makes grace even more startling.

The usual definition of grace is “unmerited favor.” At its simplest explanation, grace is an undeserved gift extended to someone. If grace is deserved, then it is not grace (Romans 11:6). We are not the center of the universe, yet the Creator of the universe offers us his favor. We are sinful beings who resist, fight, and reject God’s goodness (all the while seeking our own way) but are shown mercy and extended grace.

Consider Ephesians 2:1-3. In this passage, Paul describes our helpless and hopeless condition before Christ. We are spiritually dead, following the way of the world and the plan of Satan, living only to satisfy our own sinful desires and are under the wrath of God. Without God’s saving grace, we are consumed with our own self-centered cosmos of delusion. Before a saving relationship with Christ, we are, in nature and position, enemies of God (Romans 5:10).

And then we read the next two words: “But God” (Ephesians 2:4). This simple phrase is the hinge point upon which eternity swings. Considering the vivid description of the sin and separation of the previous verses, our destiny is desperately doomed, yet God acts.

Read the next verses slowly, and allow them to sink into your heart:

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:4-8).

Jesus brought us from spiritual death to eternal life. When we were separated from a relationship with God, Christ drew us to himself. Though we were under the wrath of God, Christ took the penalty of sin and then seated us with himself. We do not deserve grace, but we are shown grace beyond belief. Our continued existence, as well as the preservation and sustaining of all creation, is due only to God’s astounding grace.

A correct view of grace reveals the depth of our need—decentering us from the self-appointed place of honor in our own version of the universe—while clearly displaying the greatness of Christ’s love for us.

Reflection:

1. Are there areas of your life in which you attempt to elevate your own desires or preferences to the “center of your universe?” How does a biblical view of grace realign your focus upon Christ?
2. Read 2 Corinthians 5:14-15. Considering the redemptive, sacrificial work of Christ, how then should our lives reflect an understanding of the grace given to us?
3. What is a change you will make to better live in the light of the grace shown to you by God?