An acrostic from Bob Hoekstra of Day by Day Grace:
G – glorious
R – realities
A – as
C – Christ
E – Empowers
Here is a brief quote from the post which contained the above acrostic:
The temptation is to rely upon the law of God in order to generate godliness. The demand of the law to be holy, loving, and perfect becomes a false security to our flesh. We think that by hearing, repeating, or depending upon this demand, we can thereby accomplish it. Let us not forget that “the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope” (Hebrews 7:18-19). God’s grace is the “better hope” that does not fail to bring forth what God desires.
The Lord has ordained for us a life-long involvement with His grace. He wants to work “grace for [upon] grace” (John 1:16) for the rest of our days. This is the “new and living way” (Hebrews 10:20).
That’s a very good reminder. Actually our sermon was about that a bit. As I’ve said before, he’s a bit sketchy when he gets to passages about God actually requiring something other than love from His people–what does obeying God really mean? What are good fruits, and why have them?
The Westminster Confession of Faith, and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms have excellent things to say on this subject, too, don’t they?
The only way to have peace with God is to completely rely in His grace. I know I spent years of my Christian walk trying to fulfill that verse (about being perfect) and it was very, very depressing. When I discovered Calvinism it was like a cloudbreak of light to me. But I still have to remind myself constantly…
Hi, Kerri,
I love your comments. We could probably TALK for hours if we lived closer. 😛
Our pastor has really been emphasizing the necessity of God’s grace in sanctification as well as salvation. I think that’s why this acrostic caught my attention.
Have a great day. We’re having a SNOW DAY. 🙂