Grace Upon Grace: The End of Performance-Based Living

Most of us are products of what religion has taught us growing up, and we believe that God’s blessings depend on how well we perform. This was once true but no longer is. Under the law, perfect obedience was required before anything good could happen. Although that mindset still lingers today, the truth is that Jesus redeemed us from the curse and gave us access to every blessing by faith, not works.

Regardless of what popular opinion tells us, we can stop striving and start believing. We’re in Christ, and this position isn’t earned; it’s a gift. Jesus has become wisdom, righteousness, and sanctification for us. Accepting Him lets us receive everything we need to live holy and victorious lives, not because of our efforts but because of what He did on the cross.

Abraham understood this long before the law existed. God counted him righteous because of his faith, not his performance. That same principle applies to us today: righteousness comes only by the faith of Christ, not by the law. Trying to earn what grace freely gives causes us to fall from grace and step back into bondage.

God’s gifts are always good and perfect because His nature is good. From His fullness, we’ve received grace upon grace, including salvation, forgiveness, and every spiritual blessing. Eternal life is a gift, not a paycheck for good behavior. Even the ability to believe is a gift because faith responds to what grace has already provided.

The more we rest in grace, the more we experience peace and joy. Because of our faith—which is yet another gift from God—Christ has brought us into a place of undeserved privilege. We can now confidently look forward to sharing His glory, not just when we get to heaven, but right now.

 

Prayer:

Lord, we’re grateful that You freed us from the pressure to perform. Help us to continue resting and trusting in Your grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

 

Scriptures:

 

1 Corinthians 1:30

Romans 4:1-6

Philippians 3:9

Galatians 5:4

James 1:17

John 1:16

Romans 5:2, NLT