Articles-Continued

This scripture in the Old Testament shows the state of the human condition in God’s eyes. In the New Testament, this evaluation of man is also born out in the book of Romans: Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin… all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God… (Romans 3:20, 23, NKJV).

In the book of Job, chapter 9, Job is describing how useless it is to try to argue with God. Even though Job feels he is innocent in his ways, he knows he is condemned by God (apart from His grace), and says in verse 29: If I am condemned, Why then do I labor in vain? At this point, Job (like probably many of us) is feeling pretty desperate and hopeless. He’s tried to live a good life…to do everything right—and well, you know the story—where has it gotten him? (If you don’t know the story of Job, you will find it in the book of Job in the Bible.)

By now, you may be wondering, “If this is how it is, then what’s the point of trying to do good? I thought God would be pleased by my efforts to serve Him and to do good things for others.” The scripture (Hebrews 11:6) tells us that it is our faith, not our works, which pleases God! But, I told you this is not a faith message, so we won’t dwell on that scripture or topic for now.

So, what is the antidote that will change God’s mind—from seeing us as unclean sinners doing deeds that don’t count for much in themselves? Let’s look at a favorite and much loved scripture: 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. (Ephesians 2:8–9, NKJV)

Look at the word “saved” in this passage. It is the Greek word “sozo,” which in its fullest definition actually means—wholeness—in spirit, soul (mind, will, and emotions) and body. Strong’s concordance and the Greek Lexicon describe these meanings for the word “saved” in this passage of Scripture: To save, keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction one (from injury or peril); to save a suffering one (from perishing), i.e. one suffering from disease, to make well, heal, restore to health; to preserve one who is in danger of destruction, to save or rescue; to save in the technical biblical sense is to deliver from the penalties of the Messianic judgment and to save from the evils which obstruct the reception of the Messianic deliverance.

Remember this, because we’ll go back to it when we specifically address the topic of healing. For now, let’s remember that we are saved only by God’s grace and because of God’s grace alone. Some say that our faith saves us, but that’s not quite accurate; it is truly only God’s grace that saves us. But nevertheless, your faith and my faith play really big, important roles in the salvation process! Faith is the vehicle through which we receive God’s grace!

Please note here an important, obvious, simple, but sometimes neglected fact: Our faith cannot be in our faith. What?? Say that again, please! Ok, I will: Our faith cannot be in our faith. Our faith must be in God’s grace and the One Who is the Source of that Grace—Jesus Christ! If we depend on our faith or we depend on our good works to be saved, both become idols that actually get in the way of God’s grace—plain and simple—period!

Friend…if for one moment, you or I start thinking, “God, why me? I’m good. I’ve done this or that for You, I’ve helped my brother and my sister, I don’t deserve this sickness, financial failure, split in my relationship or other hardship I’m experiencing… If we start basing our expectancy for God to move in our situation because of our “goodness” instead of the goodness of God’s grace—His unmerited favor and mercy—then we will be sadly disappointed. We will fail to receive the healing, blessing or restoration that God has already planned to give us because He is waiting on you and me to line up with His grace.

“Well, I’d better read and confess some more healing scriptures today…I know, I’ll give extra in the offering on Sunday…yeah, and I’ll also buy some groceries for that family down the street; they’re having a tough time right now. These are all great things to do if your heart is right. Doing them out of love and sincerely wanting to please the Father and help others will add to the heavenly rewards that He is storing up for you. You may also receive an earthly blessing now because we reap what we sow. BUT, good deeds done for the self-centered, manipulative motive to get something back from God will profit you nothing because God sees your heart.

Our expectations for God to work in our lives must be based wholly on trusting in His grace…trusting in the freedom He purchased for us through His Son, Jesus Christ. Grace comes through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ in your behalf. He took the punishment for your sins so you can be set free, saved, healed and restored. (If you have not already received Him as your Savior and Lord, click on the navigation tab that says, “Meet Jesus.”)

And, if you are a believer but you have unforgiveness or bitterness in your heart, or there is sin in your life that you haven’t brought to the cross of Christ; then deal with it now so that there will be nothing blocking your heart from totally receiving God’s grace. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9, NKJV)

Take a moment to say that scripture as a prayer from your heart, and allow God to cleanse you and restore to you everything that His grace desires to give you. Now, let’s go back to our theme scripture: 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. (Ephesians 2:8–9, NKJV)

Remember, we learned that “saved” means wholeness, not only spiritually, but mentally, emotionally and physically. So, if you need a healing today in your body, your mind or emotions, your family or any other area; you can have it right now through receiving God’s grace. Know that once you’ve received Jesus Christ as your Savior, He also becomes your Healer, Deliverer, Provider, Protector and Restorer.

God’s grace is sufficient! And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”  (2 Corinthians 12:9, NKJV) People often read this verse as having a negative connotation, believing that this scripture means God will enable us through His strength and comfort to endure pain and hardship when we are in the midst of a trial. While this is true, I believe the definition goes far beyond this superficial look at the scripture verse.

God’s grace (without anything we can add by our human efforts) is sufficient to heal your body…restore your relationship, finances, or whatever other need you are facing. There is nothing more for you to do—Christ has already done everything that is needed to accomplish your healing or whatever else you need from the Father today.

All you have to do is ask… For we do not have a High Priest (Jesus) who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (emphasis mine) (Hebrews 4:15–16, NKJV)