Because we have peace with God, we also have access to God. Paul says we now "stand in grace." The picture is one of being welcomed into God's presence—not as strangers hoping to avoid rejection, but as children who belong in their Father's house. The relationship no longer depends on whether we feel close to God on a particular day. It rests securely on what Christ has already accomplished. That truth becomes especially important when life is difficult.   Read More

Abraham’s story points beyond itself to Jesus. Christ was handed over because of our sins and raised so that we might be declared right with God. The resurrection is God’s announcement that sin and death have been confronted, the promise has been fulfilled, and all who trust in Christ are welcomed into the covenant family.   Read More

There is no room for boasting, but there is plenty of room for gratitude. We don’t have to prove that we belong. We don’t have to establish our superiority. We can receive grace with open hands and welcome others on the same terms by which we were welcomed.   Read More

We’re accustomed to earning, proving, achieving, and repaying. We often bring that same instinct into our relationship with God. We try to demonstrate that we deserve forgiveness, promise to do better, or balance yesterday’s failures with today’s good behavior... But grace cannot be earned.  Read More

One of the hardest obstacles to grace is the belief that we can somehow earn it. We compare ourselves to others. We point to our accomplishments. We remind ourselves that we've done more good than bad. But God's standard is not comparison with other people. God's standard is God's own holiness.   Read More

An entrusted gift is never meant to end with the person who receives it. It is given so it can be faithfully delivered to someone else. Israel wasn't chosen simply to enjoy God's blessings. They were chosen so the nations would come to know the God who had called them.   Read More