I know grace is difficult to accept... it's in our nature to want to bargain for our redemption... but you can do nothing but receive it.

Listen, the character of God is full of mercy—not giving us what we do deserve—and grace—giving us what we don't deserve. You say you don't deserve God's help, but by your very words, you prove He isn't trying to destroy your dreams. Ask God for help. If you don't think you deserve it, then perhaps that is exactly what God wants to delight you with, to show how much He loves you.

If they had a social gospel in the days of the prodigal son, somebody would have given him a bed and a sandwich and he never would have gone home.

Grace releases people not only from sin but from shame.

The conversion of a soul is the miracle of a moment, the manufacture of a saint is the task of a lifetime.

There are many paths to God," some say, "so no particular belief is 'right' or 'wrong,' as long as you sincerely seek Him." And that, according to Scripture, is sincerely wrong! Sincerely place your trust in any means, or any person, other than Jesus Christ who shed His blood for our sins, and God will not receive you . . . sincerely (see John 14:6 and Acts 4:12). If

Dear God, I know that my sin has put a barrier between You and me. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to suffer the penalty of my sin by dying in my place so that barrier would be removed. I trust in Jesus alone for the forgiveness of my sins.

In doing that, I also accept His free gift of eternal life, which is mine forevermore by Your grace. Thank You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

We see the same scenario all too often today. People are told the good news of salvation by grace alone, only to respond with, "That's too simple. Where's the dignity? Where's the effort? If it's all that life changing, surely something sacrificial is required of me!

The Word didn't become flesh to establish a new religion. He became one of us to restore a broken relationship. He came to restore the true worship of God, which doesn't presume to earn His blessing through good deeds but rejoices in the unmerited favor He delights to give. Unfortunately, the roots of pride run deep into our flesh; therefore, the ability to accept grace does not come naturally, only supernaturally.

God delights to do ... impossible things through improbable people to impart exceeding grace to undeserving recipients.

The Bible says, 'There is no one righteous, not even one.' So really, none of us deserves grace. But we all still want God's forgiveness.