Amazing Grace – Ephesians 2:8-9

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Eph. 2:8-9 (NKJV)

We hear so often in church of grace; do we really know what it means?  The best illustration I have heard is this:

A child disobeyed his father and got caught.  The father decided that a weeks grounding would be fair; that is justice.  The father could tell that the son was authentically sorry for his disobedience so he chose not to punish him further; that is mercy. The father then decided to take the son out for ice cream; that is grace!   

You may have sung “Amazing Grace” many times, but have you ever taken time to stop and pay attention to the words?  Take time today to slowly read over the lyrics, and let the words sink in; it is a beautiful and true song that describes God’s “Amazing Grace”!

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.

John Newton (1725-1807)

Are you ready for ice cream?