I would like to share with you a recent experience I had with grace:
The Setting and Characters
This is a simple story. It took place over a thirty-second conversation with a friend on a street corner. Typically thirty-seconds is not a significant amount of time to engage in a meaningful conversation, however, those few moments had a remarkable impact on my understanding of God’s grace.
The Plot
There was nothing profound said, rather it was actually quite shameful, for in those few moments the circumstance that shaped this revelation to God’s grace revolved around a lie I told. As I walked away from our conversation a shameful conviction began to bear on my conscious because I knew I had invented a fabrication of the truth. My initial reaction was to conjure up a reason that would justify why my conscious was over reacting and how I should just let it go. Fortunately we serve a God who is holy and takes serious the claims of conforming his elect into the image of his Son and he would not just let it go.
The Climax
Over the course of a week or two, the Spirit continued to renew the sense of conviction in my heart and in my mind. I continued to wish it away and contently busy myself throughout the week, but he would not let it rest. The climax of my story culminates outside a coffee shop where I was compelled to confess the truth to my friend. Minutes before my confession, I attended a partners class for Austin City Life where we spent a solid hour discussing the reality of the gospel and upon hearing it preached my soul was burdened to bring my hidden sin to light. Overwhelmed with shame, I approached my brother with the truth and he embraced me with open arms, offering the forgiveness that Christ had already purchased.
Two Lessons:
I tell you this story because I have learned two things from it:
Lesson One: This story displays the power of the gospel to forgive and restore the sinner. It is by the gospel alone that we are given our basis to forgive, and be reconciled. For in the gospel the penalty for sin was propitiated at the cross allowing for forgiveness, and right standing before God. Through the resurrection newness of life was obtained making an avenue for restoration. Forgiveness and restoration become the mantra of a person’s life when their beliefs submit in obedience to the gospel.
Lesson Two: There is a deep-rooted joy that is experienced when God’s grace is realized through repentance. I can only make mention of this joy for I am inadequate to describe it. In my best attempt it is like that of a Father commending his son for obedience. At the approval of his father the son is ignited with an unfathomable amount of pleasure.
Closing Thoughts
If I offer any final thoughts on my experience in God’s grace it would simply be to relish in the loving kindness of our God. He is sovereign and supreme over all creation and yet cares to know and love us. Take joy that you have a God who is for you and withholds no expense to display his glory for you to rejoice in.
