Today we will discuss how the Lord uses Grace and how Satan uses Legalism. Wisdom tells us that both forces work in our lives, but we must recognize them and make the right choice.
The Scripture gives us many examples of God's use of grace – from Abraham being spared from sacrificing his son Isaac in Genesis to Jesus' death and resurrection on the cross. In each case, God extends grace over judgment, loving kindness that leads us to repentance and faith.
On the other hand, Satan uses legalism as a means of control and manipulation. Legalism does not come from love but instead from rules created by man. It does not lead us to repentance and faith but instead binds us to guilt and shame.
We must use wisdom to recognize the difference between God's grace and Satan's legalism to make the right choice. We must be aware that when we choose grace over legalism, it leads us closer to God and allows us to enjoy His love.
But we must also use wisdom to recognize when legalism is at work, seeking to pull us away from God's grace. Friends, may our hearts be opened to God's grace and compelled by His love so we can make wise choices, recognize the Lord's use of grace, and reject Satan's legalism.
Let us pray for the wisdom to recognize God's grace at work in our lives and reject the temptation of legalism. Amen.
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Grace
Ephesians 2:8–9
For by grace, you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast, for we are his artistry, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
2 Corinthians 12:9–10
But he said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast gladly of my weaknesses so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Consequently, for Christ's sake, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
John 1:16–17
For from his fullness, we have all received grace upon grace. The law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
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