Grace ≠ Robot

It has been said that love is a CHOICE we make. And in many ways, so is HOLINESS. Yeah, Jesus did the heavy lifting (on the Cross) — and the Holy Ghost lives in us and empowers us — but He did not make us ROBOTS who always do the right thing, no matter what. We are continually being given the GRACE we need to walk in holiness — but we must CHOOSE to walk in that grace at every crossroads — and each choice has its own unique set of CONSEQUENCES, good or bad.

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16)

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What Grace is and what it is not.

The reality and concept of Grace cannot be separated from an obedient, loving relationship.  Grace is not an unstoppable force that moves us along in life, regardless of our response to it.  Grace enables us to be set free from bondage, so that, like Adam and Eve, we have an abundant life filled with blessings, and the power and free will to, at every crossroads, choose God’s way.

And as we continue to respond rightly to His enabling Grace in each situation, we acquire what I like to call a “momentum of Grace” that makes the right choices more and more “spiritually intuitive” and less of a struggle. But if we, like Adam and Eve, choose to ignore that Grace, the consequences can be devastating.

“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

And as we respond rightly to each situation and challenge, it is an indication that we are truly walking by faith and truly opening our lives to His enabling grace, which is also an indication of our love for Him:

“If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (John 14:15)