Receiving an extravagant gift

“In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:3)

Grace is related to mercy. Mercy is a part of grace. But it’s not exactly the same. I have a police officer friend, Carlos, who explains grace in this way. Carlos says, “if I catch you going 80 miles and hour in a 40 mile an hour zone, and I walk up to your cal and tell you that I’m not going to give you a ticket, but will instead let you off with a warning, that’s mercy.” While you deserve a ticket, your only going to get a warning. Carlos continues, '“If I catch you speeding and walk up to your car and write you a check for $50,000.00, that’s grace. Grace goes beyond avoiding our deserved punishment, it’s about the receiving of an extravagant gift, one that we have no right to expect.

The forgiveness of our sin and the right to become a member of God’s kingdom, the promise of eternity with Him, the renewal and healing we experience in our lives, and the peace and purpose that comes from all of this is completely a gift of grace from your creator God. Your eternal destiny is based on your decision to respond in faith to the message of His gospel.