- Acts 15:7 - And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe;
- Acts 15:8 - And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
- Acts 15:9 - And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
- Acts 15:10 - Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
- Acts 15:11 - But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
- Romans 5:2 - By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
- 2 Peter 1:3 - According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
God's grace does not end the moment we are saved. This grace helps us stand firm throughout our believing life.
Our salvation is by God's grace. However, this grace does not end the moment we become Christians. As it says in Romans 5:2, we stand in this grace. It also supports us in our daily lives.
When we face difficulties, we don't start everything from scratch. God develops our faith, patience, and knowledge of Him through His Word, prayer, and the trials we go through. Thus, we prepare for future difficulties.
Difficulties don't suddenly become easy, but God has given us everything we need to face them (2 Peter 1:3). We are not forced to overcome life's obstacles by our own strength and alone.
Just as grace is the beginning of our journey of faith, it also forms the foundation for us to continue on this path.
Reflection
How has God's continuous grace sustained you through the difficulties in your life?
