Leaving Beyond – Grounded In Scripture

Written by: April J. Buchanan

“Grace is but glory begun, and glory is but grace perfected.” ~ Jonathan Edwards

Unless I understand what a wretch I am, then I will never lay hold of grace and plead for freedom from this vile man, and in earnest look forward in hope to that future glorification. No, I’ll seek rather for a grace that brings comfort to my sorrow and affliction, but I’ll never deal honestly with the sin that produces sorrow or the sin that offends a holy God. I’ll long for what calms anxiety, but I’ll never know such fear that is a terror to my soul at the reality of such holiness that I’d cry out against my greatest foe. My greatest wrestling may be against what causes me to have sorrow or loss or suffering, against what I desire. This only leads to eternal punishment. My foolish heart so darkened as not to know such depths of depravity that lie within, and such justice as awaits me.

It is grace, and only grace, that opens my eyes to see what manner of man I really am, and it is too much for me. I cannot bear the reality of such holiness. I see such vileness within myself that I cry out against my own heart. I hide. Oh God, You are too holy. It is grace that opens my eyes, and it is grace that clothes me in His own righteousness. It is grace that calls me justified by the merit of another. It is grace that gives me power over remaining sin in me. It is grace that promises me hope and a future glorification. It is grace that promises me what I do not deserve.

Let me never cease wrestling against what remains and giving glory only to God for my salvation, my hope, the power to overcome remaining sin. Should I ever become passive or lazy, oh God, what danger awaits my foolish heart. Let me remember that until I’m home, I have no opportunity to be lazy in my sanctification. The cry of my heart is not ease or comfort, but grace sufficient that I may be conformed more to the image of Christ. Let me not reason against grace, or lazily fall prey to teaching that says, “Just relax your wrestlings.” Perish the thought.

Rainy Day Meditations

Grace and Peace, y’all
Soli Deo Gloria