The free gift of salvation can never be severed from Judgment Day. Our global society thrives on human rights, and a growing number of people do not want to hear conversations or sermons on Judgment Day. It is as though they find the thought of “judgment” offensive, and to some extent . . .
At a pre-destined appointed moment in TIME, the exact appointed time, the PLAN of salvation established IN CHRIST JESUS THE MESSIAH, was administrated by the Father.
In order to fully appreciate what the Father provided through grace in His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, it might benefit us to examine our view of the gospel in context of the complete Word of God. Let us first consider that salvation, trough grace, by faith, is not limited to New Testament believer. We tend to associate grace SOLELY to the time frame following the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In some way we assert God, in the Old Testament, as relentless and unforgiving.
Hyper grace, due to a false sense of security and passiveness, can easily lead to licentious living, which will inevitably result in unholy living, (Eph 5:1-17). Legalism, on the other hand, will prompt “self-attempt,” which will inevitably result in exchanging the liberty in Christ to “works of the flesh,” (Gal 5:1-26).
We have to learn from Israel. Grace, as a gift of God in any respect, should be cherished and not taken for granted. It becomes clear from Israel’s history, in the account of the prophets, that Almighty God required stewardship in regard to that which He imparted to Israel as a gift. He entrusted ALL to her, not on account of her own merit, yet He required stewardship over that which He entrusted to her. Thus we also read of the consequences of unfaithfulness.
The phenomenal record of the flood is found in the archives of almost every ancient culture and is foundational in our understanding of God’s “favour” or “grace.” Noah found this favour because he “sought to walk with God,” and the only way he could “walk with God,” was to walk in righteousness. As such, God called Noah to “provide a way of salvation” for those who would “seek” redemption from the coming judgment through the destruction of the flood. He commanded Noah to build an Ark.
To be separated from the Eternal God who possesses all that pertains to eternal life and glory is the direst situation for those who have been created in His image. Even though every human being may breathe, and live life on earth according to his own wisdom and devises, true life and peace can only be experienced in reconciliation with the One who created. Yet, no human being can initiate or establish reconciliation through any personal or human effort. The standard is too high!
The age of grace has in some way presented an opportunity among men to familiarize God. Not because the Father intended this familiarisation, but because man so easily create for himself the more acceptable option in any dire situation. We are indeed grateful for God’s grace, and so grateful for what He accomplished for us through it; yet, it is to our own advantage to keep in mind exactly what Almighty God intended for man through His grace, namely, reconciliation!
About Liezel
Liezel is a motivated and passionate student of the Word with a strong zeal for the truth. Her end time study on the book of Revelation developed into a few Women’s Study Groups, mainly in Jerusalem. Eventually, after 16 years of study, the teachings were transcribed into a study book; Autumn Feasts in Revelation – Unveiling the Glory of God. The book encourages a self-study, guiding the reader through the book of Revelation in the light of the Old Testament prophecies, and New Testament predictions of the end times. Under the authority and covering of her husband, she has taught many Bible studies since the Lord has led them to minister in Israel. She also counseled many people, guiding them back to biblical principles.