June 2010

Yet God does not take away life, but plans ways so that the banished one will not be cast out from him. 2 Samuel 14:14

This is the heart of the Good News.  To know God, you must embrace Him as both holy and filled with grace.  The two are equal and congruent in the nature of God.

To do less demeans God and assumes that He is just too in love with man to stand up for Himself.  Like a weak-willed parent, He has given up on obedience and just decided to “love them where they are at.”  Nothing could be further from the truth.

He is and will remain through eternity, completely holy. Sin and its human host cannot be in His presence at any time.  Holiness demands justice, obedience and humility; characteristics that are woefully absent in the heart of every man.  Holiness alone rightfully overwhelms everything that is not holy, including me.

He is and will remain through eternity, complete grace.  Grace is having what I don’t deserve and not having what I do deserve.  It is not free because it cost God His own Son and is cheapened when it is bartered for with empty promises and silly trinkets.  In other words, you cannot make a deal to gain grace or pay for it with religious activity.  It is the single most precious and priceless gift that God has ever given.  You think creating the world was miraculous?  It was nothing compared to the grace that forgives all mankind.

This scripture from the tragic circumstances of King David’s life tell the story of holiness and grace in remarkable simplicity.

He plans ways… He is the Divine Architect of reconciliation who never gives up.

the banished one… His holiness does not destroy and His grace does not turn away.  He knows who you are and He knows your sin, but never gives up.  Our sin banishes us from His holy presence but the path of grace is well marked with the blood stained footprints of the One who leads us back.

will not be cast out from Him…. The gospel is the best news for the banished soul.  He seeks and saves through both holiness and grace, all with the intent of restoration.  The promise is bound by covenant, secured by proven character, and sealed in blood.  There is nothing left to say.  Jesus finished the task!

The way back to God is painfully simple, friend.  He is both holy and overflowing with grace. Only one choice needs to be made and it is to accept both.  Holiness will make you deal with your sin and grace will break your heart with His love.

Because in the end, all He really wants is you.

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