Rejoicing in the Gift of Grace
Christmas Celebrates
For I am not ashamed of the gospel,
for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone believing-
Romans 1:16 Berean Literal Bible
What I love about the verse above is that it uses several words to also indicate also present tense. The real gospel of POWER delivers us not only from eternal punishment unto securing us a home in heaven; but also presently delivers from the pit of sin and our enemy. The word ‘believing’ above in this translation is from the actual Greek Word used here though most versions translate it as ‘believes’.
The tense for this word believing is Present Participle Active which ignites the dynamic power of God. Thus, not just initially being ‘saved from hell’, but also ongoing deliverance from bad habits is found in the moment-by-moment grace of the gospel through PRESENT ACTIVE believing our cleansed and pure state.
Our strength is tied to rejoicing in our forgiven and righteous position - our blamelessness before God. That is why Paul is so emphatic that ‘There is therefore now NO CONDEMNATION for those who are in Christ Jesus.’ If we feel guilt-ridden and condemned we cannot overcome sin. Remember what wise Teachers of the Word say about the gospel- ‘If it’s not too good to be true - it’s not the true gospel’ (Dr. David Jeremiah and many sound preachers.) Exulting in God’s Righteousness in us by GRACE results in overcoming sin and abounding good works.
Rejoicing in the gift of grace given in Jesus is the power behind walking in compelling obedience and love for others. Merely checking the boxes and going through the motions of “obedience” often produces drudgery and religious arrogance and condemnation of others.
I also found a study about The
12 Days of Christmas (which is downloadable and available) from a Christian author well versed in grace. Day One is ‘Jesus: The Gift of God’s Grace.’ The writer, Chuck Swindoll, also wrote an eye-opening book many years ago. That book, “The Grace Awakening” rescued me out of GCx.
Link to Christmas Study
https://insight.org/general/12-days-of-christmas/day-01
