And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.
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Parallel hymn:
Verse 1: Marvelous grace of our loving Lord, Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt! Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured — There where the blood of the lamb was spilt.
Chorus: Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that will pardon and cleanse within; Grace, grace, God’s grace, grace that is greater than all my sin.
Last Verse: Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace, Freely bestowed on all who believe! You who are longing to see His face, Will you this moment His grace receive?

I love this old hymn. It is so rich in its description of God’s grace: it exceeds our sin ad guilt, it is matchless and freely bestowed, and it cleanses us from the inside out! And Paul calls out those who, after ten chapters of Romans and multiple explanations of God’s grace, still do not get it. This one verse, this simple truth, drives a spear into the heart of the lie that our works can save us! For if so, grace would no longer be grace. So much is said in this one verse. 1) God is the source of grace; he defines it. 2) He gives it freely with no strings attached. So, when we try to earn our way to heaven, we, in turn, reject God’s grace. We trample it under foot. 3) It is out of God’s grace that he sent Jesus to rescue and save us from a life of sin. 4) In his grace, he gave us salvation through the risen Lord Jesus. And 5) He invites us to live this life and the next in community with and closeness to him. God’s grace or his kindness to us continues throughout our lives and it overflows into our actions. We take grace as a gift from God and become Grace Gifters to others around us. When someone lets us down, or hurts us or disappoints us, we are able to give them the grace we have received from God.

The law is harsh, life based on works only is brutal and cold. Grace is the brightness in a life lived for Christ, and out of it our works are done out of love and with passion, not merely duty.

Lord, thank you that you have helped me to see that all that I do for you is worthless unless I first receive your grace, am filled with your Spirit, and work from a gracious spirit towards others in my heart. Thank you for your grace! It is greater than all my sin and it can make me whole again!