Grace Gives Us Wings
For the past few years, I have been augmenting my morning Bible time by reading daily devotionals. This year it is Holiness Day by Day, which comprises 365 brief excerpts from the writings of one of my spiritual mentors, Jerry Bridges. Last week, Jerry reflected on how 1 Thessalonians 4:9 teaches us that God’s grace disciplines our growth in godliness. I was helped by this daily reading and now share it with you.
You yourselves have been taught by God. (1 Thess. 4:9)
God administers His discipline in the realm of grace. What does that mean? It means that all His teaching, training, and discipline are administered in love and for our spiritual welfare. It means God is never angry with us, though He’s often grieved at our sins. It means He doesn’t condemn us or count our sins against us. All that He does in us and to us is done on the basis of unmerited favor. To use the words of William Hendricksen, “God’s grace is his active favor bestowing the greatest gift upon those who have deserved the greatest punishment.”
Where the Law condemns, grace forgives through the Lord Jesus Christ. Where the Law commands but gives no power, grace commands but gives power through the Holy Spirit who lives and works within us.
Here’s a helpful little verse from centuries ago that summarizes this truth: “‘Run, John, run,’ the law commands, but gives neither feet nor hands. Better news the gospel brings; it bids me fly and gives me wings.” It’s easy to memorize, and if you do so, it will help you capture the essence of what it means to be disciplined by grace. How do you perceive God’s parental training? Is it by law or by grace? How are you seeking to respond? Do you accept the forgiveness of His grace, or labor under the burden of guilt? Are you relying on your union with Christ and the indwelling Spirit for the power to respond to God’s training, or is the Bible only a rule book that you struggle to obey by your own willpower?
The grace that brought you salvation is the same grace that teaches you. But you must respond on the basis of grace, not law.
