Grace - Only Available to Sinners!

Romans 11:32 God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.

We wouldn't need mercy, if we were righteous. Whether it is nations and people groups, or individuals, we all have a common affliction, and a common need for mercy and forgiveness. I think it is only when we try and fail, when we stumble and fall, do we recognize our true condition and perceive our need for God. Perhaps that's why he gives us so much freedom.

I like to characterize myself as an old sinner saved by grace. None of us are getting saved any other way! I even call the album I am working on "Songs from a Sinner". It's what I was (big time), and without Jesus, it is what I am. Without him, it's all I can ever be. Only in Christ, do I have any claim to righteousness.

Sometimes, I run into the self-righteous sort, who say things like "what a name for an album - I thought you were supposed to be a Christian - why do you call yourself a sinner?" However, like Paul, I must declare myself "the chief of sinners" (and do away with any pretense). Only in Christ, am I anything but a sinner. I must get out of bed each day and crucify the old man. If I allow myself to live, instead of Christ living in me, I will inevitably sin, despite all the theology I have studied, or how valiantly I strive to apply it. Romans 6:6; Ephesians 2:15; 4:22-24; and Colossians 3:9-11.

In fact, Paul says his righteousness as a Pharisee (blameless under the law), was rubbish compared to the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ. (Philippians 3:4-9). You would be hard pressed to find anyone who was more zealous, or better trained, but self-effort didn't result in righteousness for Paul! He came to realize that he was a sinner, who needed salvation by grace, through faith.

Romans 3 21-24 ...For there is no distinction among people, since all have sinned and continue to fall short of God's glory. By his grace they are justified freely through the redemption that is in the Messiah Jesus...

You see, only Christ's spotless robe of righteousness is acceptable at the marriage supper of the Lamb. Those who think their own filthy rags are worthy, are in for a shock (Matt. 22:13). We must allow Christ to take away our filthy garments, and be covered in his robe. A merciful covering for our sin and shame - a gift we cannot earn, and don't deserve. That's grace - it's free, but it's only available to sinners!

In the story of the Pharisee and the publican, only one went home justified, the one who confessed he was a sinner. The self-righteous, the hypocrites, the presumptuous, do not receive the imparted, or imputed, righteousness of Christ. You must come to the place where you realize your true condition, before you will perceive your need for a Savior, and throw yourself on God's mercy.

Proverbs 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

Ken Rich

kengrich@yahoo.ca

http://indiegospel.org