Grace at all times!
by Anne Hansen
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We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life (Romans 6:4).
Read Romans 6:1–11
On 1 November, we celebrate All Saints’ Day – a time to remember and thank God for all the saints who have gone before us and died in the faith. We recognise that it is through their faith that we have also come to faith and experience God’s grace, the word of life, forgiveness and our future hope. Each person who has died in the Lord has completed the task God has set them, and they are welcomed into God’s eternal kingdom. I love thinking about this: my father, grandparents, friends and relatives all celebrating with our loving Saviour.
But we are also God’s saints here on earth and still have the task set before us to bring more to know Jesus as their Saviour. God’s grace is a gift, but there are so many who have not been exposed to this gift of life. We can’t give up on them. God’s grace is the key to our future in heaven. If God had not done his work through Jesus, we would not have much of a future.
Grace is mentioned 124 times in the NIV New Testament (86 times by Paul). Paul, in his letter to the church of Rome, speaks of the grace we have received in our baptism, and in it, we are also united with Jesus in his resurrection and are freed from all of our sins. The grace of God in Christ is – and always will be – the last word.
Grace in Christ is always the last word for us, even as it is also the first word that brought us to faith in and through our baptism. Through faith, grace is the first morning word, the word at midday and the last word at night. God’s grace extends to all people, at all times and in all situations throughout the world – it is not exclusive, nor can it ever be extinguished.
Our Lord’s grace is our past, present and future!
Loving Saviour, you have promised me a place with you and all the saints. Grow purpose within me to share your grace and love with all who will listen that they, too, may have a future with you. Amen.
For 19 years, Anne has been the Lutheran Tract Mission Development Officer. She lives in Noosa with her husband, Mark (a pastor), has three grown children – Jonah, Christian and Emma – and is a proud new mother-in-law to Brooke. She enjoys walking, reading, gardening and playing pickleball.
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