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April 12, 2010

Unearned Love

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God." -Romans 5:1-2


The only thing that God has us do to receive His grace is to have confidence in the Truth of the gospel. That's grace. There is nothing that anyone in the world -- murderer or enormous missionary -- can do to earn the love of God. The cross and the empty tombstone proved that the Creator loves all of us equally, despite what we have done, thought, said, or been. Or the things you are doing, thinking, saying, or who you are. (And let's face it, every single one of us is wretched.)

In our world, we have to earn stuff most of the time. But God's love was not earned by anything we did. Even if we rejected Him and our sins sent us to Sheol after we died, He still loved us.

The question is if you really, truly grasp this...or if you're still caught in the legalism that Jesus came to overcome. Do you have some idea that Jesus doesn't love you as much as your fearless evangelistic friend or that guy you know who is starting a charity for God's cause? (Or anyone else.) Don't do anything to try and earn God's love. Our deeds that are done out of religious obligation, pride, or a vain way to get His attention are filthy rags to Him. But deeds done out of a pure heart that is grateful for how God loves you and how His Son took our penalties? To Him, those are precious jewels that He uses to draw other men to him.

Just accept it:
GOD LOVES YOU!
Now, what are you going to do about it??

Be thankful for that never-ending, unearned love, and love Him back, because the Master of the universe who loves every single one of His messed up creations completely deserves it. And tell others about this incredible affection and adoration He has for us!

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