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"the Path To God's Unconditional Love."
Contributed by Dr. Jerry Hulse on Mar 4, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: Grasping the nature of God’s unconditional love can enrich your spiritual journey. This message describes how faith, grace, and God’s love can facilitate noticeable changes in one’s personal life.
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
(Romans 5:8) KJV “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
(Ephesians 2:4-5) (4) “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,” (5) “Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, by grace ye are saved;”
(Ephesians 2:8-9) (8): "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:" (9) "Not of works, lest any man should boast."
(John 3:16) "for God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
PROLOGUE
In this sermon, titled 'The Path to God’s Unconditional Love, ' we will explore God's unchanging, always-present love. God’s Holy Word tells us that God is the essence of love.
Two of our founding scriptures, Romans 5:8 and Ephesians 2:4-5, illustrate this by stating that Christ died for us while we were still sinners, emphasizing that God’s love does not depend on our worthiness or behavior.
God’s unconditional love transcends human understanding and comprehension. It encourages us to examine our lives deeply, illuminating the truth that we are cherished and valued despite our flaws and shortcomings.
God’s unconditional love is a comforting embrace, a reassurance that we are accepted for who we are, imperfections and all. It instills in us a profound sense of belonging, comforting us in our journey and inspiring us to extend that same love and acceptance to others.
Many people struggle with the idea that they must earn God’s love through good deeds or by achieving moral perfection. This belief can often lead to unnecessary burdens and a sense of inadequacy. Instead, it is essential to recognize that grace is a gift freely offered, not a reward to be earned. Grace is like a gift that we don't deserve but God gives us anyway, out of His love for us.
"SALVATION IS A GIFT FROM GOD"
To fully grasp God's unconditional love, we must first recognize that “Salvation is a gift” given freely by grace through faith. We are saved by grace, not through our efforts or works. This understanding brings a sense of liberation, knowing that no one can earn salvation through good deeds alone.
Through Jesus's supreme sacrifice, who willingly laid down His life to atone for our sins, the pathway to God’s life-changing grace has been opened to everyone who chooses to accept His free gift of forgiveness.
This gift of grace is not just an offer of pardon but a transformative gift that can fundamentally change our lives. It inspires hope, restores our brokenness, and empowers us to live with purpose and love.
By embracing this transforming grace, we embark on a journey of spiritual renewal and personal growth, drawing closer to God and experiencing the fullness of life He intends for each of us.
Our relationship with God is built on His mercy and grace, which is his unmerited or (undeserved) favor. The Holy Bible teaches that our righteousness before God is like filthy rags.
Understanding grace is not just a theological concept, but a necessity for anyone seeking to grow in their faith and navigate the difficulties of living a Christian life.
God does not have any grownups in this walk of faith, nor does he have grandchildren, for we are all being changed and conformed daily into the image of his dear Son. The word says that the Angels of his children, always behold the face of their father.
Some people experience greater spiritual growth and maturity than others, often due to enduring severe trials. They had no way of overcoming these trials on their own but while giving up, they encountered God's grace and emerged with a deeper understanding of themselves and their world.
The path of a Christian is an ongoing journey of spiritual development. This path involves a deep and continual exploration of God’s character through a disciplined prayer life and diligent study of the Holy Scriptures.
One way to make your journey exciting and increase your faith is to keep a journal of your experiences. In this journal, you can record your prayers, insights from Scripture, and reflections on how God is working in your life. This practice can help you track your spiritual growth and deepen your relationship with God.
"THREE PRINCIPLES FOR COMPREHENDING GOD'S LOVE & GRACE."
1. The Unconditional Nature of Love and Grace: God’s love and grace are given freely, without any conditions. They are not rewards for good behavior but gifts that reflect His boundless compassion.
2. Grace is a Gift; it is not Earned: Grace is a gift from God that cannot be earned; it is given to us solely because of God's nature, not based on our actions or worthiness.