I’m Entitled to God’s Blessing, Right?

Dear Friends,

I read a fascinating article recently that got me to thinking about this question. I fear this question is the unspoken thinking of many churchgoers. The assumption is; “I go to the right church, I believe the right things, I’m a good person. Of course, I expect to receive God’s blessing.” That blessing includes salvation, relationship, and eventually heaven. The thinking is that the rewards of heaven are equally dispensed to all.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer referred to this as Cheap Grace. “Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, communion without confession, and without discipleship.”

In an article by Steve Gallagher (Founder of Pure Life Ministries) he states; “Since righteous living and sacrificial love are not expected of God’s people and since everyone receives the same benefits of salvation, there is no reason to press in to know God; no reason to strive against one’s lower nature, no reason to reject worldly enticements, no reason to do much of anything except to show up for church on Sundays. Is it any wonder then that the church has lost her power and her fire?”

It would be well to remember that God’s grace was purchased at incalculable cost to himself. “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” (1Peter 1:18-19)

Is it possible that we can believe that it is okay to presume God’s grace and blessing are owed to us simply because we are believers? That there is no reason to “work out your salvation.” What about the doctrine that Jesus Christ will render to every person rewards in accordance with their deeds? “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” (2 Corinthians 9:6)

It would be well to remember that there is a cost involved in this journey as a follower of Christ. We are not entitled to anything! Our salvation is not just a one-time decision we make to become a believer but is just the beginning of a life-long journey that requires working it out or walking it out in every area of our lives. It includes righteous living and sacrificial love. Spending the time and energy necessary to foster a deep abiding relationship with God. Developing a daily life of prayer and significant time in God’s word so that it affects how we live our lives as examples to this world of God’s grace and the salvation that He offers to all.

Far from assuming we are owed something it would be good to remember that; “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.” (Rev. 22:12)

Thank you for your prayers and support.

God bless,

Mike

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