"But by the grace of God, I am what I am,
and His grace toward me was not in vain."
1 Corinthians 15:10
Many years ago, I heard a well-known major league baseball player give his testimony for Christ at a public gathering. He summarized his testimony in these words: "I'm just a sinner and nothing at all, but Jesus is my all in all." Those words have stayed with me over these years. That really is the testimony of all who have come to know the grace of God through Jesus Christ.
The apostle Paul summarized his testimony in these words: "But by the grace of God, I am what I am." Those words likewise apply to all who have received God's grace in Christ. For believers, all we are and ever hope to be is in the grace of God. Before Paul was changed by the grace of God, you could say that he tried to be a "self-made man." He was a Pharisee who tried to save himself through self-righteousness.
The apostle Paul summarized his testimony in these words: "But by the grace of God, I am what I am." Those words likewise apply to all who have received God's grace in Christ. For believers, all we are and ever hope to be is in the grace of God. Before Paul was changed by the grace of God, you could say that he tried to be a "self-made man." He was a Pharisee who tried to save himself through self-righteousness.
Grace is defined as God's unmerited favor to sinners. God does not save us because we are good enough, nor because we have earned our salvation. It is all of grace. That means it is the gift of God. There are only two things that you can do with a gift - accept it or reject it. God's grace is received by faith. It is rejected by unbelief. The grace of God is in vain to those who believe not. Paul testified, "His grace toward me was not in vain."
Most of us have heard the old hymn of the church, Amazing Grace, many times. You remember these words: Amazing grace how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now I'm found, was blind but now I see." The so-called "self-made man" is lost and doesn't know it. He is spiritually blind and cannot see it.
The arrogant pride of unbelief boasts, "I'm a self-made man. I am what I am, all because of what I have done." Faith says, "But by the grace of God, I am what I am." Faith understands that it's all of grace.
The arrogant pride of unbelief boasts, "I'm a self-made man. I am what I am, all because of what I have done." Faith says, "But by the grace of God, I am what I am." Faith understands that it's all of grace.
God, we realize Your grace alone can change our lives through Christ.
