The Grace that Provides What We Really Need

But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”— a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder. Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” A third time he said to them, “Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him.” But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will (Luke 23:18-25).

The people preferred the freedom of a political rebel and murderer over the freedom of the One who could give them true freedom from guilt and sin. The response of the people provoked an echo from the lips of Pilate who declared again… “I have found in him no guilt deserving death”. But this matter was already out of Pilate’s impotent hands. It was and has always been God’s will to give us what we need, not what we want. While on this temporal journey here on earth from birth to death we need political, financial, and other basic human freedoms, but we who are born again know that life here is temporary and preparatory for eternal life… “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). As we mature in the faith we learn that what we really need is freedom from sin and guilt, increasing intimacy with Jesus Christ, and preparation for life in eternity. Nothing in this world can satisfy any of these needs. That’s why we know that in every circumstance and trial here on earth, is our opportunity to look away from the world and toward Jesus Christ, the One who grants to us the grace that provides what we really need.

God’s grace provides freedom from sin and guilt. Jesus Christ made it very clear that there is truly life after life and death here on earth for everyone… “Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment’ (John 5:28-29). He preceded this declaration with the revelation that He was God’s appointed Judge over the eternal destiny of every living person… “For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man” (John 5:26-27). What makes the difference between life and judgment in eternity? There, true born-again believers will look into the eyes and recognize the heart of the One who already judged and atoned for our sin… “He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2). All others will fearfully come face to face with the Loving Judge they rejected.

God’s grace provides fellowship with Jesus Christ. Again, Jesus Christ made clear that the primary purpose of eternal life is knowledge and fellowship with His Father and Himself… “And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3). The reason God removes sin from our hearts and adopts us as His children is so the Spirit of Christ can live in us… “And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God” (Galatians 4:6-7). Encouraging confirmation that we are born again is an increasing hunger for fellowship with Christ and a longing to be with Him forever in eternity.

God’s grace provides fitness for life in eternity. Jesus said His disciples will reign with Him in eternity… “The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne” (Revelation 3:21). Maturing disciples are preparing for rule in heaven by learning to overcome the trials of this life with the same grace and mercy Christ has shared with us.

As we grow up into Christ, He faithfully cares for us and prepares us for eternity with Him through…

The Grace that Provides What We Really Need.