Understanding Grace

Generally, this blog is a online scrapbook about Blake (because he is the "main event" after all). But I wanted to encourage people with some things I have been learning lately. I have been reading the book Transforming Grace by Jerry Bridges. This book so far as been one of the best books I have ever read in explaining the grace of God.

I often struggle with thinking that somehow my spiritual "merit" of the day will affect how God listens to my prayers. In my eyes, if I had a more "honoring" day to the Lord I am more confident to pray, and vise versa. Some would call this a lack of "spiritual self-esteem". God calls it sin. I am basically saying that I can somehow earn favor in the sight of God on my own (Romans 3:20, 4:4, Isaiah 64:6) and that what Christ did on the cross is not sufficient. Paul says in Galatians 5 that if we say we must do something to earn favor, than Christ is of no value to us. How awful is that! In his book, Jerry Bridges writes:

"In fact this misconception that we must pay our own way is more than a mistaken theological notion. It actually springs from the perverse disposition of our hearts- the disposition of pride."

There is nothing that can change our lives more than prayer and God's word. This misconception hinders both. By God's grace, my prayer life has grown so much now that I am starting to scratch the surface in understanding His matchless grace. Bridges also talks about that when Christ died on the cross, He purchased every blessing and every answered prayer we will ever receive. That is so amazing to me. I'm so thankful it's not up to me, or else I would be in big trouble!!

I wish I could quote the entire book, but just read it!