Enjoy Life, Enjoy God

GRACE & RESPONSIBILITY

September 30, 2009

No doubt the Letter to the Romans holds it high place of authority and influence due to its great breadth and depth teaching; its definition of the Christian faith. Romans tackles issues that other New Testament writings may not.

And Isaiah boldly says,
"I was found by those who did not seek me,
I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me."
But concerning Israel he says,
"All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and obstinate people."
- Romans 10:20,21 TNIV
 

Herein Paul addresses a complicated issue. God's grace is showered upon people with no merit. That's grace defined. Yet, grace or not, the people of God ignored God's Word, God's invitation to be the people of faith--an obstinate and disobedient people. Yet with grace, Paul teaches us the call to responsibility.

Without getting bogged in this, at the very least,it is clear that grace, yes, it's a wonderful gift, but the implication for us is that grace summons in us responsibility to be faithful, to be the people of God. Israel was all for the gift of grace, but not too big on faithfulness. Grace and responsibility. True then. True today.
Joyfully,

Dale Patterson