“Grace!”  It is probably the word most commonly used in Christianity today to discuss the wonderful gift of salvation.  “For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves.  It is the gift of God.  Not of works, lest any man should boast.”  Ephesians 2:8,9.

The above verse tells us clearly that “grace” is a gift! Because grace is “gifted” to us, and the IRS has taught us that gifts can have  no strings attached, we associate grace with such concepts as forgiveness, pardon, the covering blood of Christ, etc.  These are all done for me. As it relates to my relationship with God, I cannot forgive myself, pardon myself or cover myself with the blood of Christ!  I need God’s help.  I need God’s grace to accomplish this for me.

Indeed, these concepts are a part of grace.  Is there, however, an untold story?  Is there an aspect of grace that we have missed?  The word “grace” used in the New Testament verse above, comes from the greek word, “charis” pronounced “khar´-ece.”  It actually means, “the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life.” I find it an interesting fact that most Christians quoting the the verses above, almost never include the very next verse.  Right after we learn that grace is gifted and does not come as a result of our works, we read, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

That is an incredible thoguht!  The grace of God makes me a product of God’s workmanship and creates good works in me.  Therefore, if I am saved by grace and grace has been gifted to me, part of the gift includes the power to obey for obedience is the good work that is done in me  by Christ.  I am the work of His hands.  I am His workmanship.

Here are some sobering questions:

1. Could most Christians be operating on only 50% of grace, thinking that the forgiveness, pardon and covering is all that God has gifted to them?
2. Have we rejected God’s grace if we accept the forgiveness, but neglect the power?
3. Can we be saved if we reject God’s grace including His power to have victory in our lives and obey His commandments?
4. Since grace is the “the divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in the life,”  are we really saved by grace if we do not allow the Lord to be reflected in our lives.

In conclusion, most Christians believe that obedience has no relationship to salvation.  The truth is that grace is what God does for us and what He does in us!  We are not saved because we obey.  Saved people who accept all of God’s grace will obey because they are the workmanship of Christ, products of His influence on their hearts reflected in their lives.  Disobedient Christians, those who do not keep all of God’s ten commandments, are actually unknowing neglecting or rejecting God’s grace.

Accept all of His grace today and allow him to do His work of obedience in your heart.  The only strings attached are the “cords of love, bands of a man.” (see Hosea 11:4).  That man is Christ!