The Nemesis of Grace

“What an abyss is the grace of God! Who can measure its breadth? Who can fathom its depth? Like all the rest of the divine attributes, it is infinite.”- Charles H. Spurgeon

There are many enemies of grace but one casts a large shadow.

This enemy is shared by both religious people and unbelievers. It’s a lie that, if believed, will prevent you and I from experiencing the abyss that is the grace of God. It’s a notion that seems harmless but will rob us from the joy of salvation by grace.

Religious people often believe that they’re good people and thus deserve salvation. Because they hold themselves in high esteem, it’s easy to cast judgment on those “bad people” who aren’t as good as them. They take pride when they are good. They are in despair when they aren’t.

Unbelievers often believe that if the “Good stuff I’ve Done vs. Bad stuff I’ve Done” chart leans toward the good, they will be rewarded. Either in this life in some form of karma or in heaven after this life.

Both miss grace.

While it’s good to be good and do good. The truth is, none of us are good enough.

However, there is a good God who gave his son Jesus to be good enough for us.

Unless we’re willing to get real before God and can admit how much we’ve messed up in thought, word, and deed, we will never quite get grace.

But those who see how depraved they really are. How much they’ve blown it. How imperfect they truly are. They are the ones who begin to understand the great abyss that is God’s grace because they know the abyss that is their own sin. They are the ones who love Jesus because of the great love he has shown them. This doesn’t lead to pride and despair. It leads to joy. Humble joy.

So what is the nemesis of grace?

Self-righteousness.

The good news?

Grace can make self-righteousness tap out.

Grace wins.