Sunday, April 29, 2012

There but for the Grace of God

If you are coming to this post to read a story of someone's misfortune that I avoided, and get some schadenfreude,  turn away now.  This isn't that kind of post.

This is about big-G Grace.  I was talking to my friend yesterday, and she commented on how hard it is for people in the LDS church to believe that we are saved by grace.  Focusing on the "after all we can do", they drive themselves crazy with trying to be the best person so they are worthy of salvation.

You will never be worthy of salvation by yourself.  Stop beating yourself up over it.  Because it is only through the Grace of God that you can be saved.  He asks for one thing from us, a broken heart and a contrite spirit.  As I explain to the Primary kids - all you have to do is say you are sorry every time you don't do what you are supposed to and really mean it and God will forgive you.
Christ took your sins upon himself already.  With Christ by your side you are already perfect.  Without Christ by your side you will never be perfect.

Will you continue to sin?  Of course.  Guess what - God knows that already.  You don't get to repent just once, you can repent as much as you need to.  And every time you repent your sins are washed clean.

Heavenly Father loves you.  Romans 8:38-39  Take a big breath, step back to the simple faith of a little child and trust in the Grace of God.

If you want to read a fabulous book about this subject, I highly recommend:

Believing Christ the Parable of the Bicycle and Other Good News by Stephen E RobinsonBelieving Christ the Parable of the Bicycle and Other Good News 

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