The Theme of Grace

In the past few weeks as I have returned to school and been having conversations with people around campus I have been reminded of God's grace in my life over the past year. While things were hard and challenged me to the core God's grace was still the underlying theme. Some days it took a little effort to see it, but it was always there. Whether it was people always being there during episodes or even now a timely conversation to remind me that it is the grace of Christ that I can even be in school and I should not complain about homework! No matter how bad things were Christ remained the same. He had completed the work of salvation on the cross. Grace is best described in this context in 2 Corinthians 12. Verses 9 and 10 state, "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." Paul clearly describes what Christ has done in my life this past year. In my weakest moments Christ's power shown through in that I survived and he guarded my life and salvation. He kept me through it all. His grace was sufficient. Grace Greater than Our Sin states it well.
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.

Refrain

Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin.

Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.

Refrain

Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
Brighter than snow you may be today.

Refrain

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?

Refrain

Words:Julia H. Johnston
Music:Daniel B. Towner

The refuge of every day is the cross. The "perfect" day when we feel we are doing well is due to the work of Christ in our lives (though if we think we are doing well we probably aren't relying on Christ as we should). Self-righteousness is as great a sin as failure. When we don't think we can make it through the rest of the day and cry out with "groanings too deep for words," (Romans 8:26) that work is sufficent still. Cling to the cross. Hold with all your might, and when that fails cling with the grace that Christ procured for you on that same cross.