The content contrasts two fundamental paradigms: works-based and grace-based systems. While the former leads to death due to human failure, the latter offers eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ as a free gift. Jesus lived the perfect life we could not live, died the death we deserved, and rose victorious over sin and death (2 Cor 5:21; Rom 4:25). Now He offers us what we could never earn—eternal life. And it is offered freely, paid in full, and received by faith alone in Christ alone. Eternal life is not found in self-reformation, law-keeping, or moral merit (all works-based systems). It is found only in Jesus, our Savior (Acts 4:12).
Category: God’s Grace
Grace for the Worst
A compelling example of divine mercy and grace is found in the life of King Manasseh of Judah—arguably one of the most stunning cases in Scripture of radical evil followed by radical grace (2 Chr 33:1-20). If ever there were a poster child for undeserved favor, Manasseh qualifies. He ascended the throne at the age of twelve and reigned for fifty-five years, the longest of any king in Judah. But his legacy was not longevity—it was depravity. He did “evil in the sight of the Lord” beyond measure (2 Chr 33:2).
The Gospel, the Walk, the Reward
The gospel addresses the issue of sin, highlighting humanity's inherent guilt and separation from God. Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection provide the means for salvation by grace through faith. While salvation is a free gift and eternal, believers are called to grow spiritually and live in obedience, ultimately accountable for their service to God.
Counting My Blessings
God has blessed me far beyond what I deserve, and I’m accountable for how I handle it. I don’t own these blessings—I manage them. My time, talents, and treasures belong to the Lord, and I’m called to use them for His glory and the good of others (1 Cor 10:31; 1 Pet 4:10–11). I want to enjoy what God has given, but never with entitlement. Gratitude is the right attitude. I reject both the hoarding mindset that clings to wealth and the guilt-ridden view that despises prosperity.
The Gospel of Grace
The gospel of Jesus Christ is the good news that God, in His love and grace, has provided a way of eternal salvation for all people through the death and resurrection of His Son. Scripture declares plainly that “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures… He was buried… He was raised on the third day” (1 Cor 15:3-4). This is not a limited offer to a select group. It is a universal provision, made available to whoever believes. Scripture states, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). The love of God and the sacrifice of Christ are not reserved for a predetermined few—they are extended to the entirety of the human race. Jesus is “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29), and He is “the propitiation… for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2).
Sarah, A Woman of Faith
Sarah’s journey of faith is a wonderful testimony to God’s grace and faithfulness. Though she initially struggled with unbelief, her eventual trust in God’s promise highlights her spiritual journey of faith. As Sarah learned to rest not on her own abilities but on the faithfulness of God, she was counted among the greats in the Hall of Faith (Heb 11:11). Her story encourages us that faith is not about perfection but about growing in trust, even through our struggles and doubts. Like Sarah, we may face moments of weakness, but when we look to God’s character and His unchanging promises, our faith grows stronger. Sarah’s life serves as a reminder that God does not abandon us in our doubt, but graciously leads us to a place of firm conviction. Just as God was faithful to Sarah, He is faithful to us, proving that faith, even in its smallest beginnings, can move mountains when rooted in the trustworthiness of our faithful God.
When Grace Met Betrayal
When Judas came to betray Jesus, the Lord looked at him and, in a final act of grace, called him “friend” (Matt 26:50). Amazing. It was one of the most tender and tragic moments in all of Scripture. Jesus wasn’t blind to Judas’ intentions—He had already told the disciples that one of them would betray Him, and He knew exactly who it was (John 13:21-27). Yet when the traitor came with a kiss, Jesus met him not with anger, but with grace.
If You Died Today, Would You Go to Heaven?
I recently asked somebody, “If you were to die today would you go to heaven?” He said, “I don’t know.” When I asked him why he was uncertain, he said, “I’m not sure if I’ve been good enough.” His statement exposed the root of his confusion—works-based salvation. Sadly, he’s trying to measure up to God through human effort. That’s religion, not the gospel. Religion is man, by man’s efforts, trying to earn God’s approval. The gospel, in contrast, is God doing all the work, with man simply receiving what He has accomplished through Christ. Religion puts the burden on the sinner. The gospel places the focus on the Savior. Hell is full of religious people—those who trusted in their good works, their morality, or their church involvement to get them into heaven. But heaven is full of unworthy people who understood that salvation is a free gift, received by faith alone in Christ alone (John 3:16; Rom 6:23; Eph 2:8-9). God doesn’t ask us to work for eternal life—He calls us to believe in the One who did all the work. The issue is not what we do for God, but what He has done for us through the death, burial, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus (1 Cor 15:3-4).
Grace Operates in the Low Places
The Bible reveals that “God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble” (1 Pet 5:5b). In this passage, Peter is writing to believers, but the principle is true for everyone, saved or unsaved. Throughout Scripture, God is consistently presented as displaying grace (Ex 34:6; Psa 103:8; John 1:14). While God’s common grace shines on the just and unjust alike (Matt 5:45; Acts 14:16-17), He gives special grace to the humble (Jam 4:6).
How to Avoid the Lake of Fire
The lake of fire, mentioned in Revelation, represents the final judgment for Satan, demons, and unbelievers, signifying eternal torment and separation from God. Salvation is offered through faith in Jesus Christ alone, granting eternal life and freedom from condemnation, ensuring believers will not face the lake of fire.
Eternal Life Is the Greatest Gift of All!
The article highlights the profound gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ, underscoring that salvation is granted by grace, not works. It emphasizes the significance of Christ's sacrifice and encourages believers to live righteously, while warning against a lifestyle of sin, which can lead to divine discipline.
Totally by His Grace
Salvation is 100% the work of the Lord—grace from start to finish. It is all of God and none of man. No human effort, no good works, no religious activity can ever satisfy the perfect righteousness of God. Works do not save—they never have, and they never will. The only work that matters is the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, where He bore the penalty for sin in full (Mark 10:45; Rom 5:8; 1 Pet 3:18). He gets all the praise and glory.
Confession of Sins for the Christian
The Bible describes two types of forgiveness: judicial, which ensures eternal salvation, and parental, needed for restoring fellowship after sin. While judicial forgiveness is a one-time act at salvation, parental forgiveness involves ongoing confession to maintain closeness with God. Both highlight God's grace and are essential for a believer's relationship with Him.
Why Grace is Hard for Many to Accept
There are several reasons why grace can be difficult for some people to accept, including pride, cultural beliefs, and a desire for control. Nevertheless, God’s invitation to eternal life is open to all who trust in Christ, emphasizing that salvation is a gracious gift, freely given, based entirely on the work of Christ and not on any human effort.
Biblical Strategies for Dealing with a Toxic Supervisor
The content depicts the author's experience with a toxic boss, leading to emotional struggles. Seeking solace in faith, the author turns to biblical coping mechanisms and prioritizes life choices for stability, peace, and resilience. This account emphasizes forgiveness, integrity, and reliance on God's guidance during adversity, offering insight into handling difficult leadership situations.
God the Son Came Down
Sometime in eternity past, God the Father sent God the Son into the world to fulfill a divine mission. God’s Word tells us, “The Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world” (1 John 4:14). This was the great mission: to bring salvation to everyone. This act of God was done in love, as it is written, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16), and “He loved us and sent His Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10).
God’s Love that Saves
God’s love is seen in His voluntary act of offering salvation to lost sinners through His Son. His love is universal, gracious, giving, and salvific. It is based on His unchanging nature and commitment to our wellbeing. As believers, we are called to manifest this love to others and share the gospel.
Guilty Before God
The Bible reveals God is “the Judge of all the earth” (Gen 18:25), and He “is a righteous judge” (Psa 7:11), and He “judges righteously” (Jer 11:20), and “will by no means leave the guilty unpunished” (Ex 34:7). Yet, the Bible also reveals God is “merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth” (Psa 86:15), and One “Who pardons all your iniquities” (Psa 103:3), when we come to Him in honesty and humility.
Two Kinds of Forgiveness with God
In our relationship with God, there are two kinds of forgiveness. One is judicial and the other is parental. Judicial forgiveness is the forgiveness we receive from God when we stand before Him as the Judge of all humanity. This forgiveness occurs at the moment of faith in Christ, where “everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins” (Acts 10:43; cf. Eph 1:7; Col 1:14). This is a one-and-done event that is never repeated, as we are “forgiven us all our transgressions” (Col 2:13). Parental forgiveness is the ongoing forgiveness we receive from God as our Father and is repeated many times throughout a believer’s life. Judicial forgiveness brings us into a right relationship with Him at the moment of faith in Christ. Parental forgiveness restores our fellowship with Him.
Reconciliation with God
To talk about reconciliation is to assume there are two or more persons who need to be reconciled because of a fractured relationship, because at least one person has been offended by the actions of another. Biblically, God is the one who has been offended by His sinful creatures. Because of our offensive sin, our relationship with God was broken. God loves us, but not our sin. We are quite apt to produce sin, but are powerless to deal with it. God initiated the restoration of the relationship by dealing with our sin. This is why the cross was necessary, for “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8).
The Believers’ Adoption Into God’s Family
The term adoption derives from the Greek word huiothesia (υἱοθεσία) which, according to BDAG, refers to “those who believe in Christ and are accepted by God as God’s children…with full rights.”[BDAG, 1024]. For the first time, as children of God, we have the privilege and right to cry out to God as “Abba! Father!” (Rom 8:15). This adoption by God is an act of love and grace, for “He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will” (Eph 1:5).
The Value of Jesus’ Death for God and Christians
Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross has both infinite and eternal value for both God the Father as well as those trust in Christ as their Savior. From the divine perspective, Jesus is “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29), and this because He went to the cross as the Father directed (John 6:68; 12:27; cf., 26:39, 42), and died in our place (Rom 5:8; 1 Cor 15:3-4), “the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God” (1 Pet 3:18), and we are redeemed “with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ” (1 Pet 1:19).
The Spirit’s Convicting Ministry to the World
There is a special work that God the Holy Spirit is doing in the hearts of unbelievers to help prepare them to turn to Christ as Savior. Concerning this special work, Jesus said, “And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8). Jesus’ statement about the Holy Spirit is in the future tense (He will convict), which implies the Spirit’s special ministry was not active at the time Jesus uttered His statement. This special convicting ministry would be inaugurated on the day of Pentecost.
Jesus’ Substitutionary Atonement in Salvation
Jesus’ atonement for sins is the basis for reconciliation, because God has judged our sins in the Person of Christ who died on the cross in our place. The death of Christ has forever satisfied God’s righteous demands for our sin and it is on this basis that He can accept sinners into heaven. The blood of Christ is the only coin in the heavenly realm that God accepts as payment for our sin-debt, and Christ paid our sin debt in full.
Defining Salvation in the Bible
Soteriology is the study of salvation. The word soteriology is derived from the Greek words "soter" (σωτήρ), which means savior, and "logos" (λόγος), which means a word about, or the study of something. Soteriology is the sphere of systematic theology that speaks to the nature, means, scope, and purpose of salvation. It is an important theme that runs throughout Scripture and reveals the God who saves.
Beyond Self-Interest: Embracing Disadvantage for the Blessing of Others
The more I understand biblical Christianity, the more I think our advance to maturity involves being willingly disadvantaged that others might receive an advantage. To be voluntarily disadvantaged means I am deprived of something so that others might gain an asset, an edge, a benefit, or an opportunity they might not have otherwise. This is charitable on my part, in which I give for the benefit of others. This is how Jesus lived, as He said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
The Exclusivity and Sufficiency of Christ for Salvation
In Acts 4:1 Peter states that salvation can only be found through Jesus Christ. It is necessary to trust in Jesus alone for salvation, and this salvation is a free gift from God that cannot be earned through works. Jesus died for everyone, but only those who believe in Him as their Savior will receive the benefit of salvation. Trusting in Jesus as Savior brings forgiveness of sins, eternal life, and spiritual blessings. This decision is crucial, as it determines both the quality of life in this world and eternal destiny afterwards.
God Uses Imperfect People
God uses crooked sticks to draw straight lines. This means He works through imperfect people to accomplish His perfect will. Though I believe God calls us to be transformed in our thoughts, words, and actions (Rom 12:1-2), and to strive for spiritual and moral purity (1 Pet 1:15-16), the reality is that He does not wait for us to be perfect before He uses us. In fact, if God were to say to His children, “Let those who are without sin serve me”, there would be none. Though Christians are not perfect, we can be humble and obedient, and when willing to do God’s will, He can and will work through us as conduits of truth, grace, and love.
The Manifold Grace of God
Grace is unmerited favor. It is the kindness one person grants to another who does not deserve it. Grace (χάρις charis) refers to “a beneficent disposition toward someone, favor, grace, gracious care/help, [or] goodwill." (BDAG, 1079). This definition speaks of the attitude of one who is characterized by grace. A gracious act is “that which one grants to another, the action of one who volunteers to do something not otherwise obligatory." (BDAG, 1079). Others may not understand or accept what is offered by grace, but this is not for want of attitude and action on the part of the giver, where the benefactor freely confers a blessing upon another and the kindness shown finds its source in the bounty and free-heartedness of the giver. Once grace is received, it can, in turn, lead to gracious acts to others (Matt 5:43-45; Luke 6:32-36). In this way, grace leads to grace.
Our Spiritual Blessings in Christ
As Christians living in the dispensation of the church age, God has bestowed on us many good things. Though He blesses some Christians materially (1 Tim 6:17-19), His main focus is on giving us spiritual blessings which are far better. Paul wrote that God “has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Eph 1:3).
Suffering that Builds Christian Character
No one likes suffering, and generally, we try to avoid it. However, some suffering is unavoidable, as there are people and circumstances beyond our ability to influence. This is part of the human experience. But we are not neutral, and though suffering is inevitable, how we handle it is optional. If we greatly fear suffering, then we may be tempted to avoid it at all costs, and the weakening instinct of self-preservation might handicap us from maturing in life. God wants us to grow up and become mature Christians (1 Cor 14:20; Eph 4:11-14), and suffering is sometimes the vehicle He uses to help get us there.
A Look at Grace
Grace is undeserved favor. It is the love, mercy, or kindness that one person freely confers upon another who deserves the opposite (Matt 5:44-45; Rom 11:6; Eph 1:6; 2:1-9; 2 Tim 1:9; Tit 3:5-7). The Bible reveals God is gracious, “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Ex 34:6), and, “You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth” (Psa 86:15). God the Father is described as “the God of all grace” (1 Pet 5:10), who sits upon a “throne of grace” (Heb 4:16), who “gives grace to the afflicted” (Prov 3:34), and provides salvation “by grace” through faith in Jesus (Eph 2:8-9; cf. Acts 15:11; Rom 3:24). Jesus is said to be “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14), and the Holy Spirit is called “the Spirit of grace” (Heb 10:29).
King David – the Good and the Bad
The Bible describes David as a man after God’s own heart (1 Sam 13:14; cf. Acts 13:22). This is a huge compliment, but what does it mean? God certainly knew David’s heart and what kind of king he would be, for He informed His prophet, Samuel, saying, “God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Sam 16:7). However, we should not conclude that David was perfectly obedient and kept the Lord’s will in all matters in his life. He did not. No believer ever does, for there are none who are sinless, except the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Cor 5:21; Heb 4:15; 1 Jo 3:5). But David obeyed the Lord in important matters, and apart from a few major offences, he did not generally commit egregious sins.
God’s Imputed Righteousness
For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is … Continue reading God’s Imputed Righteousness
A Song of Ascents – Psalm 123
Psalm 123 is one of fifteen songs of ascent (Psa 120 to 134), of which four are attributed to David (Psa 122, 124, 131, 133) and one to Solomon (Psa 127). The Mishmash states these psalms were sung on the fifteen steps that led up to the temple; however, it is more likely they were sung by pilgrims as they traveled up to Jerusalem, as stated in Psalm 122:1-2 and 125:1-2. Whether Jerusalem or the temple, these psalms were intended to prepare the worshiper’s mind to look to the Lord in faith. Spurgeon states, “Yet we must use our eyes with resolution, for they will not go upward to the Lord of themselves, but they incline to look downward, or inward, or anywhere but to the Lord.”
God’s Grace is Sufficient
God gives grace in proportion to our weakness. The greater our weakness, the more grace He gives. This is a moment by moment grace; always sufficient for the need, and the need is always changing.
Not of Works
Christians are saved by what Jesus accomplished for us at the cross and not by any good works we produce. Good works should follow salvation, but they are never the condition of it.
Treating Others with Dignity
What does it mean to treat others with dignity? Dignity most commonly refers to the honor we confer on others. Scripture directs us to “Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, and honor the king” (1 Pet. 2:17). The word honor translates the Greek word τιμάω timao, which means “to show high regard for, honor, revere.”
Helping the Poor
It’s a fact of life that the poor always exist (Matt. 26:11). There are differing degrees of poverty, and some of the poorest in our society are homeless. There are various reasons why a person becomes poor. Some are poor because of their own bad choices (Prov. 24:30-34; cf. 13:18; 23:21), while some are poor because of the bad choices of others (Mic. 2:1-2; cf. Jer. 22:13; Jam. 5:4). Some look for a hand up, while others want a hand out. Our ability to help is sometimes hindered by our lack of resources, and other times by the recipient’s unwillingness to receive what we offer.
Why Believers Show No Grace
God is gracious to us and treats us better than we deserve. More so, He calls us to be like Him and to show grace to others. This means loving our enemies and being kind to those who hurt us.
God’s Favor Toward His People
God’s favor refers to the goodness and blessing He sows to others. God’s favor is based on His sovereignty, for He is under no compulsion to act, but does so according to His good pleasure, freely, from the bounty of His own goodness. His favor is often accomplished through the agency of other people as well as through circumstances.
Living By Grace
The basic idea of "grace" is unmerited favor. The kindness shown is by no means obligatory, but rather, finds its source in the goodness, abundance, and free-heartedness of the giver.
The Basics of Grace
Grace derives from the bounty and open-handedness of the giver, can be very costly to the donor, but is always free to the beneficiary.
A Tribute to a Godly Grandmother
My grandmother was a godly influence in my life at a young age. She taught me Scripture and modeled truth with love. She was a trophy of God's grace and a light in my dark life. God used her to lead me to Christ for salvation, and to plant seeds of righteousness that He would later use to develop my character.
I Am Barabbas
One morning in the summer of 1988, I was sleeping on some grass and woke to the sound of children walking past a fence near the alley where I’d slept the night before. Years of bad choices and heavy drug use had caught up with me and the few weeks I’d spent living on the streets and at a homeless shelter were enough to awaken me to the despair of my situation. Worldly living had produced such a darkness within me, there were times I had considered suicide as a solution to end the misery that was my pathetic life. From the time I started using illegal drugs until that morning on the grass, I had not been living as a righteous man, but rather as the wicked, which “are like chaff which the wind drives away” (Psa 1:4). My life at that time epitomized worldliness, as I had rejected God's authority over my life, and that came with harmful consequences.
God’s Great Grace
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. (Eph. 2:8-9) Grace (Grk. charis) is the underserved kindness or favor one person shows to another. It is “that which one grants … Continue reading God’s Great Grace
God’s Grace to Save
For by grace [charis] you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Eph. 2:8-9) Charis is the Greek word that is commonly translated grace and it means undeserved favor or unmerited kindness. It … Continue reading God’s Grace to Save
Believe in Jesus for Salvation
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." To be saved means to be rescued from harm or danger. Based on the authority of Scripture, all mankind is under the sentence of sin and death, … Continue reading Believe in Jesus for Salvation