The Stunning Kindness of our Great God

August 18, 2014

The Stunning Kindness of our Great God

If we were to ask most people what they thought of God, they would describe Him as a distant, perhaps angry Being. God is perfect in every dimension—even His righteous wrath—but the leading edge of His character is always His love, kindness, mercy, and grace.

But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:4-7, emphasis mine)

WHEN HIS KINDNESS APPEARED…

He saved us

Our salvation had nothing to do with our goodness or merit but everything to do with His mercy. What could possibly be a greater act of kindness than to deliver those who deserved hell from their judgment by taking it upon Oneself?

He poured out His Spirit upon us.

He did this "richly" or "super-abundantly." This was not the mere giving of a gift but the giving of Himself. What kindness to come to dwell—to actually live—in the lives of those He had brought to life! To make a common man His temple.

He justified us

By His lifeblood, He satisfied the just demands of the law so that our sins would seem as nothing before a Holy God. For those who believe in Him, it is "just as if we'd never sinned." God demanded justice and then provided it.

He made us heirs!

Not only has He saved and justified us, but He has gladly chosen to give us His kingdom, making us heirs and joint-heirs with Him to all He possesses! Think of this kindness: He took those who were His enemies (us), saved us, filled us, cleared us, and then said, "I want you to have all that I have for all of eternity!"

Why Should I Doubt?
Why should I doubt my Master's love when He has saved me through His blood;
The riches of salvation given, withholding nothing, even heaven?
"Come take of my forgiveness now," the Kind One said and humbly bowed
Beneath the cross that brought Him shame so we could know His matchless Name.
And then, He came to live within, erasing and forgiving sin;
And making us His wealthy heir so all He has we now can share.
Forgive me, Lord, for senseless thoughts that question you when you have brought
me every kindness I have known; I worship You before Your throne!
Bill Elliff
6.2.13

 





Also in Graceful Truth

DO YOU BELIEVE THIS?
DO YOU BELIEVE THIS?

December 24, 2024

Do you believe that one child could save everyone?

Continue Reading

BROUGHT INTO HIS OWN PRESENCE
BROUGHT INTO HIS OWN PRESENCE

December 20, 2024

Our greatest problem is not the economy, the culture, or the world we live in. Our most debilitating issue from which all other problems derive is our separation from God. We have lost the one thing that makes us work, that makes us whole and right.

Continue Reading

THE URGENCY OF INSTANT OBEDIENCE
THE URGENCY OF INSTANT OBEDIENCE

December 17, 2024

Joseph had no idea how vital a role his simple, prompt response played, and neither will you. But your instant obedience today, and every day, is more important than you realize.

Continue Reading