Describe how God’s grace was at work here in this story. How is God’s grace at work in your story?
Grace was defined in another post. This grace from God was exemplified in this account between Jesus Christ and the criminals on the cross. In this encounter, both criminals by the finished work of the cross, was offered grace and mercy.* When there was no way to reconcile the relationship between God and mankind as a result of human depravity, God made the Way through Christ whereby we can circumvent well-deserved death.
Though God’s grace is offered to all, only the criminal who rebuked rather than hurled insults, accepted God’s free unmerited gift of grace and salvation. He recognized that their deeds justified their crucifixion and that Christ was innocent. In doing so, it is by faith that he makes the statement in Luke 23:42. Unlike the disciples, he did not spend quality time with Jesus. We can reasonably presume that he asserts Christ’s unjust sentence based on what he has heard: Jesus’ teachings and miracles. By faith, he chooses to trust Jesus with his “future” during such a time where many would be fearful and hopeless.
As we each go about our day to days, God’s grace is continually at work. When we struggle to bear a fruit of the spirit and fall short of the glory of God, we receive God’s grace and forgiveness through repenting and choosing to pursue holiness and godliness. No matter what stage of this life we find ourselves in, even at the point of impending physical death, we still have full access to the gift of salvation. It takes humility to acknowledge our fallen nature and faith to receive grace.
The Holy Spirit which resides in every believer is the still small voice that teaches us, reminds us, and speaks truth into our lives (refer to John 14:16–17, 26). I am constantly reminded of God’s grace in his unchanging character and patience despite my changing circumstances and attitudes. Although we recognize Christ as one who heals our brokenness, some tend to expect prayer and to be a quick fix and God to be a the “ultimate healer”. However, sanctification is a long hard process of wrestling, surrendering to Christ, and allowing Him to make us holy and beautiful.
In our circumstances, “we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8–9). Yet in our highs and lows, we ought to keep our eyes on the cross. If your eyes are on the storm, you’ll wonder if [He] love[s] you still//If your eyes are on the cross, you’ll know [He] always ha[s] and [He] always will (Just be held by Casting Crowns). God’s grace is sufficient for all (2 Corinthians 12:9). It is in the ugly mess of our lives that God’s grace shines prominently.
Side note: Grace is receiving (from God) what we do not deserve — grace and forgiveness, whereas mercy (from God) is not receiving what we rightfully deserve — punishment.
