For it is by grace...




For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith
and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- 
not by works, so that no one can boast. 
Ephesians 2:8-9

Have you ever thought about that verse? Like really thought about it.
I honestly have read that verse many of times and still never really thought too much about it, until I had come in contact with people who were open about believing different than me. 

I had no idea what to say when one told me that they had to live a good life to make it to heaven, not to mention the better you were, the higher you go into heaven. They explained it was because it wouldn't be fair for someone who had just starting believing in  God, with an ugly past, gets to go to the same heaven as a person who had lived a good life for God their whole life. 

I also have come into contact with a self proclaimed Atheist. They said they were an Atheist because they didn't understand why they had to go to someone else and tell them their sins to be forgiven. 

Can you imagine buying the lies that these people are believing?! I could not imagine thinking that I had to try and live a perfect life to go to heaven, what an exhausting life! Also, for the self proclaimed Atheist...is that really one of the only reasons why they don't believe in God? I mean really? Who has been around them to tell them that if you believe that Jesus is Lord then you are for given! That's it! No trying to do things on your own, hoping God is watching and keeping tally's in his book saying that your better than the person who didn't do as many good works. That's crazy!

So what if we did have to work for God's love, what the orphans and people in third world countries would be doomed to? I mean honestly, how do you expect those people to even have a chance to get to the greatest heaven without money or resources that the people who are wealthy have. The wealthy are probably the ones who have more resources to get the word out and the funds to travel and do more good works. If it's all about fairness...how fair would that be? The orphans and the poor have no way of spreading the word like the wealthy. 

Being a Christian, it is our responsibility to make disciples so that everyone can make it to heaven to be with Jesus and spend eternity worshiping him. That's why we have missionaries in foreign countries, going to places that most wouldn't, to tell others that Jesus loves them and wants to spend forever with them. How else will these people hear the good new unless we go and tell them what we know about Jesus!

Therefore, go and make desciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 
Matthew 28:19

 It's not a game. God loves everyone. Even the sinners...of which we are all! I am no better than the murderer or the thief. Sin is sin. There is nothing that you can do to make yourself better. Salvation and the forgiving of your sins is a gift from God so that no one can boast! Isn't that good news! I don't have to work for God's love...he loves me anyway! How exhausting would that be, to have to constantly work for God and live up to his standard. You can't. There's no possible way. He is a perfect God. We are imperfect sinners. 

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. 
Romans 3:23

That's why we need Jesus, to forgive us of our sins daily! 

...Christ Jesus came into the world to forgive sinners-of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason  I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 
1 Timothy 1:15-16

That verse reminds me of the I Am Second stories. I watched Lecrae's story it it was so inspiring. He is a Christian rapper but he didn't always believe in Jesus and had a rough past. Just because he didn't always love Jesus, doesn't mean that he won't be rewarded with the gift of eternal life with the Lord.  His past is forgiven and he doesn't have to keep working to get God to love him more. I love that someone who didn't even like Jesus, could be forgiven and used to build the kingdom.  Jesus loves those who hated him and those who grew up in loving him equally. What an amazing testimony we all have because we have been shown grace and mercy. 

I love Lecrae's  song Take Me As I Am. It really inspired me to write this post actually. 
Here's some of my favorite lyrics from it. 


See it is by GRACE. Even in the midst of our junk filled lives, He loves us. 
We come to Him as we are. 
...

Spread the good news that Jesus is Lord. Those who call upon him and proclaim his name with be forgiven. All you have to do is believe. 

If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord", and believe with your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 
Romans 10:8-9


With Love,
Kenzie Ann

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