Benefits Of Believing Series

The second thing I sense God is saying here has to do with the fact that it can refer to an ongoing access in our existing relationship with God. Not only have we been introduced to the grace of God, but we have continued access to a God of grace. Grace is God’s love for us. It’s frequently defined as unmerited, unearned, undeserved divine favor from God. It’s His acceptance and blessing upon those who’ve become a part of the family of God by faith in Jesus. Grace is unmerited favor, unconditional love, unlimited power and unabridged truth. Grace means that your being blessed by God no longer depends on your performance or your behavior. It means as a child of God you can’t be cursed, judged or condemned by God. Preston Gillham in Grace in Ungracious Places defines grace as God’s determined effort to share His heart with you. And while some define grace by the acrostic, God’s Riches At Christ Expense – in the final analysis, grace is a person and His name is Jesus. The benefit of believing is that you have access to grace 24-7! Finally:

III. WE HAVE HOPE IN GOD’S GLORY verse 2b

The NIV translates this phrase, “And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” Rejoice could be translated boast, so that in contrast to what the world would boast in – its accomplishments or to what the Jews boast in, that is their obedience to the law – the believer boast in God alone. The believer rejoices in the hope of God’s glory being realized. Now hope is confident expectation, not wishful thinking. My seminary professor taught me that hope is expectation plus desire. You must have both to have biblical hope. But what is this expectation and desire in though?

Well, one translation reads, “Let us exult in our hope of attaining God’s glorious ideal.” You see, all have fallen short of that ideal as Romans 3:23 records – “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” The glory of God is, God being revealed for who He really is. Likewise we rejoice in the hope, the expectation and desire that who God originally intended you to be will be fulfilled in you. Through the rich provisions offered by God, we’re moving toward the goal He had in mind for us when man was originally created. You will come to be known for who you really are in Christ.

In conclusion, my question is, are you living as a spiritual pauper? There is so much you have inherited as a result of your faith in Jesus Christ. Peace with God, Access to Grace and Hope of God’s glory is just the beginning of the benefits of believing in Jesus Christ. So the most important question is: Have you believed? Have you been justified by faith? Have you received the grace of God into your life? If not, I invite you to respond to God’s Spirit today!