Love versus Grace

by Terry Wane Benton

God does indeed love us all. He "so loved the world" that He gave His only Son (John 3:16). But, did you notice that even though He loves all, many will "perish"? Many will go to hell, even though God loves us all. You see, telling people that God loves them is not enough. We must tell people that justice is also a necessary part of goodness.

God cannot be absolutely good if there is no justice with Him. His justice is absolutely perfect. If we sin, and we all do, then God's justice means we must be separated from God, Who is absolutely holy and perfect. However, mercy is also a part of perfect goodness.

If there were no mercy, there would be only justice, and we would all be forever separated from God's pure goodness. Mercy is compassion. God is just and merciful! So, His love, justice, and mercy provided a way for you to come back into His favor or grace through the sacrifice of His Son. You are not automatically in His grace.

You have "access" to his grace (Romans 5:1-2), but you must seek and utilize that "access" route into His grace. God loves you and wants you to return to His grace, but you must want it and access it properly.

God has provided a way out of condemnation, but you must take the way out. If you don't, you remain under condemnation! This is why hearing and believing the gospel is so important. Three thousand came into grace and out from under condemnation in Acts 2:36-41. Have you taken advantage of "access into His grace?" Be sure! God wants you to come into His grace through faith. The 3000 in Acts 2:37-41 shows you how to access His grace through submissive faith. Obey His gospel the same way they did!