One of the most famous hymns in our day is “Amazing Grace.” We hear it at church, at funerals, and at various events. Like everything else about God, you and I always underestimate His grace. We usually think grace is about getting away with sinning but there is so much more to consider! Today, in two passages, let’s listen to the fundamental way in which we encounter God’s grace in our lives.

Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. (selected verses from Eph. 2:1-7)

And, now, our second passage.

No one can come to Me unless the Father draws him. (John 6:44)

Our first passage tells us something we might not want to know about ourselves. We were dead before we came to Christ. The Bible doesn't say we were sick; it says we were "dead." In other words, our bodies were already in the coffin with the lid nailed shut. Let’s listen again to three verses from the Ephesians passage:

“Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins…But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life…For he raised us from the dead.”

Wow! But how is it then that we can we respond to the Gospel? We’re dead! But our second passage tells us how. Jesus said, “No can come to Me unless the Father draws him.” This then, is real grace...only God can call and raise the dead. The amazing thing about grace is that God takes action on His own to breathe new life into our lifeless corpses. Amazing Grace, indeed! How sweet the sound of that divine Voice, calling us out of our coffins into new and eternal life with Him.

Today, take time to meditate on Jesus and His infinite kindness toward you. God’s grace really is amazing...and that is very Good News!