Some years ago we traveled from the north to the south. Those winding roads, turns, and twists all culminated into extra hours spent on the road. Over time, authorities built turnpikes that circumvented small town stop signs and the various small highways. I was so thankful the first time we discovered the newly built expressway. The new road erased hours from our trip and allowed us safe travel.
The turnpike still had demands: Speed limits, passing lanes, and signs for road construction hazards. While the path provided a much easier journey, we were still subject to the confines of the law.
The Bible has described the way of Salvation. Peter preached the first message which began the first church. Jesus came to build His Church and Peter was given the “keys to the Kingdom.” He delivered those Keys in Acts 2:38. It was the exact reflection of Paul’s description of the true definition of the Gospel, I Corinthians 15:1-4. The Bible also describes a “set-apart” people. We know this as the Way or the Highway of Holiness. We are commanded not to be conformed to this world. The church should be spotless; not worldly or lustful. Thus, a standard of Holiness is critical to our spiritual walk.
The scripture demands our obedience and observance. We are to be Born Again of the water and the Spirit -John 3:1-8. We are to be different from the world’s lifestyle “come out from among them and be ye separate” -I Corinthians 6:17.
However, with all of those necessary and pertinent commands, just know: We came by way of Grace. God has given us what we could not give ourselves. Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.”
After doing all that we are required and commanded to do, just remember, God paved a way called Grace. He did not remove His commands, nor did He negate the Salvation message. He just gave us a road that transcended human failure. Peter called it “manifold grace” and “true grace” and “multiplied grace: the grace that brought the revelation of Jesus Christ” and so much more. Peter wrote: 2 Peter 3:18 “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”
We must do all we can do and all that we should do. That is called Obedience. And then, at the end of it all, we must also know that we came by way of Grace.
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole