Romans 1:5-6
Jesus Christ is the only source in the universe able to impart grace to us. Grace--that unmerited favor, that undeserved blessing, that merciful acceptance of a fallen creation by its compassionate creator. God's Riches At Christ's Expense--GRACE! It is through Jesus Christ, His earthly mission of self-sacrifice, and His powerful defeat of death, hell, the grave and the devil at his resurrection--it is through Christ that we have even received grace! And Paul adds for himself--through Him we have received apostleship.
But why have we received these things?
Notice Paul said, "we have received...apostleship." He was called to be an apostle, an ambassador, emissary, and personal representative of Jesus Christ. But he says, WE have received apostleship. This doesn't necessarily mean that we are all apostles, in terms of office or calling. But just as Paul instructs Timothy, "Do the work of an evangelist; fulfill you ministry," I believe Paul is saying to his readers "we have received BOTH grace and apostleship." We are all saved and called to be Christ's Ambassadors, emissaries, and personal representatives. We all have grace and apostleship!
And why do we have grace and apostleship?
For obedience. Grace does not give us the freedom to "do what we want." and apostleship does not give us the authority. Yes, we now have the freedom from the penalties of law--at least in this life. But there are still laws in place to govern us. There are still commands in place for us to follow. Jesus is still issuing orders to his servants. And we have been given grace and apostleship for obedience.
Obedience to the faith.
Obedience among all nations.
Obedience for His name.
I am not free to live as I choose. I am a slave, an emissary, of Jesus Christ. I have received grace so that I can obey--not out of compulsion, but out of choice. I must choose to obey.
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