PASTOR'S REFLECTION

To Whom Much is Given
Thank God for grace and truth (John 1:17). Grace is superior! It is higher than the law. The law condemns outrightly (Lev 20:10) while grace simply says 'go and sin no more' (John 8:11; 3:17; 5:14). I prefer grace, and bless God for making me a member of His church in this grace dispensation.
However, in Jesus' beatitudes in Matt 5:19-48, the Lord Himself clearly put the law and grace by side, this making us understand that the standard of holiness is higher under grace than under the law. He also illustrated that it is not easier making heaven under grace than the law (Matt 5:20). No wonder, He did not abolish the law but brought fulfillment (Matt 5:17) of the law!
Not this: The law says “thou shall not commit adultery” (Matt 5:27; Ex 20:14; Deut 5:18) while grace requires that “whosoever looketh in a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matt 5:28; Prov 6:25) – As far as grace is concerned, you have committed the real sin.
Again, the law says “thou shall love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy” (Matt 5:43) while grace requires that “you love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you and pray for them which despitefully use and persecute you” (Matt 5:44)- As far as grace is concerned, failure to love, bless, pray and do good to your enemies is real sin (disobedience, stubbornness and rebellion – 1 Sam 15:22-23)
While the law says “an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth” (Matt 5:38), grace requires that “whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also” (Matt 5:38-39)
Grace therefore leaves us with far greater responsibilities in grace than under the law. The reason is simple, to whom much is given, much is expected. God has offered us everything in Christ to carry this onerous responsibility. Please don't let grace down and don't disappoint our lord and Savoiur, Jesus Christ, who made it possible for us to be in this dispensation.

Pastor K. Nzeh.