Bridges of Grace

Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it]. (Hebrews 4:16 AMP)

Imagine standing on the edge of a cliff and looking out across a vast canyon. The other side is miles away and the gorge is miles below you. There is no way for you to get from the side you are standing on to other side. This is how it feels to be separated by our sins from the God who created us. Our sins and shame keep us separated from all the promises and blessings of God. We know that we cannot climb down safely, and all our efforts to search for a way to get across are in vain. Our works, our plans, and our efforts will always fail to get us closer to God. Our faith is what makes that relationship possible.

Our faith in the saving grace of Jesus Christ is the bridge that connects us to our Heavenly Father. It isn’t something that we earn, it is a gift given from a loving Father. His love for each of us is so fierce that He willingly gave His own son to take our place and die on a cross. It supercedes any mistake that we have ever made. The chasm of our sins can no longer separate us from God, because Jesus paid the price for us. God’s mercy was poured out on us that we did not receive the penalty for our mistakes.

Understanding that we have been given such a precious gift sets us free. We don’t have to rely on our own abilities, but can trust in the word of God. His promises and provision have built a bridge across the canyon that kept us apart. We now enter His presence with all boldness. In fact, God has made His home inside us as 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 states: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” Jesus said that he would send the Comforter, the Holy Spirit so that we would always have a direct connection with our Father. The bridge of grace that God built cannot be torn down. No mistake, no matter how big we think it is, overcomes the power of the work Jesus did on the cross. Once we have repented from our sin, and choose Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are forgiven. Don’t let the shame of your past mistakes make you think that Jesus’ sacrifice wasn’t enough. Let go of the past and look toward the One who purchased your future. Don’t dishonor all He has done to set you free. Walk across that bridge and choose freedom. Amen.