Bigger Grace: Changed and Changing

“To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 1:2-3)

We’re calling this week’s devotionals “Bigger Grace” because God’s grace to us sinners is always bigger than we think it is. Just when we start to think we understand how much good he gives to us – and how very little we deserve it – we discover either that we are far less deserving than we thought or his goodness is even more huge.

grace_350Today’s passage says a phenomenal thing: We Christians are both already “sanctified” and also “called to be holy.” That means God has already changed us, made us fundamentally different people than we were before we trusted in Jesus. Our identity and potential to live for Jesus are no longer the same and will never be changed back.

Notice what the God of grace doesn’t say to us: “I’ve given you a chance for a fresh start. Don’t blow it. Prove yourself to me, or I’ll put you back on the road to hell.”

Nope, he says this instead, “I’ve changed you now and for good. You are not the same you. I’ve made you mine. Now live like the person you are – and who you are becoming.”

Think: As a Christian, do you think of yourself as being truly changed in some way, already sanctified? Do you think of yourself as having a mission from God to live a holy life? Why or why not?

Pray: Thank God that you have been sanctified in Christ Jesus and ask him to help you to be holy.

Do: Look up the words grace, sanctified, and holy in a dictionary.